Good morning, dear friends, colleagues and family.
Yesterday, after an operational hiatus of almost three months, the classes of the Creative Writing Program at Florida State University (FSU) finally resumed. Unfortunately due to the pandemic’s limitations, they are completely online, without any physical presence. However, we must point out that our hard-working professors have made a good job of designing them for Zoom interaction, making them interesting. We are satisfied so far.
Good morning. Today all the Italian citizens (those born in the peninsula or citizens through the blood lineage like ourselves) celebrate the Liberation Day when the Italian people finally got rid of the Nazi occupation on April 25th 1945. It is a day of boisterous celebration with countless local festivities in big and small places all across the nation.
Sadly, the pandemic has forced the Italian government to extend the “stay inside” order until mid-May, for which there swill be the first time in 75 years that it is not publicly celebrated. However, all of us will be raising a glass today in our homes or places of seclusion to toast the great nation built by our dear ancestors and fellow citizens.
The picture that serves as featured image was taken last year by Gian Luca in the promenade of the Bay of Naples where there was a slow procession of bersaglieri (lightly armed cavalry) The image masterfully taken at sunset gives us the impression of a ghostly parade of anonymous soldiers coming to the rescue.
As they had done so valiantly and gallantly before, the enthusiastic and patriotic forces of Italy will come through to the rescue of the citizenry. Right now thousands upon thousands of medical professionals, technical personnel and first responders are toiling generously in the health care facilities that are treating the pandemic victims. Coraggio.
Avanti bersaglieri che la vittoria e nostra!
Giani enjoying the incredible luminosity of the Bay of Naples, with the Vesuvius in the background.
