Vespa by Piaggio & Co.

Vespas (scooters) are very common in New York City and are a great way to get around town. They are popular with men and women alike which explains why you are likey to see so many on any given day. Here are a few that were found on the upper east and westsides of Manhatten. I, (sookietex) the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In case this is not legally possible, I grant any entity the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law. If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain. Vespa From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. S.p.A. of Pontedera, Italy -- to a full line of scooters and one of seven companies today owned by Piaggio -- now Europe's largest manufacturer of two-wheeled vehicles and the world's fourth largest motorcycle manufacturer by unit sales From their inception, Vespa scooters have been known for their painted, pressed steel unibody which combines a complete cowling for the engine (enclosing the mechanicals and concealing dirt or grease), a flat floorboard (providing foot protection), and a prominent front fairing (providing wind protection) -- into a structural unit as well as a singularly endearing and enduring shape. As the first globally successful scooter, the Vespa has enjoyed tremendous prominence in popular culture -- and has become a symbol of stylish personal transportation.

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Angelina Jolie

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie launches World Refugee Day at the National Geographic Society. (State Department photo by Michael Gross) Image Disclaimer: Unless a copyright is indicated, information and photographs contained herein are in the public domain and may be copied and distributed without permission. Citation of the U.S. State Department or U.S. Embassy Montevideo as source is appreciated. Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

A global call for the safety and protection of 17 million refugees arose from Washington June 15, echoing with tribute to the courage of people who flee war, violence or discrimination in search of safety and hope for a better future.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) opened a five-day recognition of June 20’s World Refugee Day with a Washington ceremony, bringing both diplomatic and cinematic star power to the event.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and film star Angelina Jolie shared a stage during a ceremony hosted by the National Geographic Society. Rice came to the event as chief diplomat for a nation that offers resettlement to more refugees each year than any other – 53,000 in 2004, and a projected 55,000 in 2005. Jolie serves as goodwill ambassador for UNHCR and, in that role, has traveled to remote areas in more than 15 nations, meeting and encouraging refugees and the people who assist them.

Rice said the United States has a “deep and abiding” commitment to the protection and assistance of refugees. “Communities across our country have opened their doors and their hearts to refugees helping them to begin new lives in safety and in freedom,” she said.

The United States provided almost $700 million for overseas assistance to refugees and conflict victims in 2004. It provided additional hundreds of millions of dollars in global food aid, much of which flowed to refugees and displaced persons.

In recognition of World Refugee Day, Rice said the United States renews its pledge “to keep the hope of the world’s refugees alive.”

Jolie, who has represented the cause of refugees for almost four years, noted the more than 50,000 refugees resettled in the United States in 2004. “I’m certain among these 50,000, you’ll also find some of the best and brightest of America’s future," she said.

While acknowledging those success stories, Jolie also said, “There are 17 million whose futures are still uncertain. Refugee Day is the day we make sure they aren’t forgotten.”

The official Web page for World Refugee Day is posted on the UNHCR Web site.

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