«He taught us to never betray our ideals and the trust given to us»
The book was presented at Palazzo San Giorgio “Akedà – Ties, strong ties my Father”, which tells the life and testimony of Alessandro Caracciolo. Marshal of the Carabinieri who died at the age of 33 due to lung cancer.
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The one felt in the Hall of Chandeliers, however, it was not an air of sadness or pain, but of life and hope. A tangible presence, that of Alessandro Caracciolo, witnessed in the words of his wife, Roberta Melidonawho recalled the most important moments of their life together. From meeting to choosing to get married and have a large family. Melidona narrated how Alessandro’s destiny, as a marshal of the Arma, was, in fact, written by an unmistakable sign received during the competitive tests. When the topic of the theme was taken from a book that the young aspiring carabiniere had recently read. A sign from Above, for a man who firmly believed in God. And who made his subsequent illness an opportunity for sharing and growth for all those who were close to him.
A message of hope
«For many – said Roberta Melidona – the night in which their husband dies represents the worst moment of their life. For me, however, that was a holy night, although life can sometimes turn into a nightmare. But Alessandro’s joy of living, demonstrated by his never-fading smile even in the photos showing him in hospital, was so evident that it left no room for doubt.”
The volume, edited by Andrea Canaletells through writing and images, the life and the most significant moments of the path of suffering experienced by Alessandro Caracciolo. To whose name is today linked the association that aims to perpetuate his memory. Objectives well outlined by Antonio Malavenda, who reeled off all the stages and charity activities carried out by the association “Alessandro Caracciolo”. Not failing to remember the “great strength” that reaches the members every time they cross paths with the gaze of their friend in the photos they keep inside their homes. “There, every thought and worry is brought back to its right dimension”, explained Malavenda.
Many were present at the meeting in the Municipality
After the introduction of the journalist Consolato Minniti and the memory of Roberta Melidona, it was the turn of the mayor of Reggio Calabria, Giuseppe Falcomatà, who, in front of many young footballers from the “Ludos” association, outlined a profile of Alessandro. Starting from one of his passions: football. A metaphor for life. «Alessandro – stated the mayor – teaches us how we can and must pursue the objective we have set ourselves with “discipline and honour”, legality and transparency. Objectives that must not be pursued at all costs, but which must be achieved without betraying one’s ideals and the trust given.” A similarity which, Falcomatà recalled, can also be compared to those who hold a public office.
The speech of Mayor Falcomatà
According to the mayor, Caracciolo brought “nobility of spirit even in contexts where this is often lacking”. Alessandro «taught us that there is a way to experience suffering, a path of sacrifice and pain that does not necessarily require hardening. Suffering should not be wasted and Alessandro showed us how, with dignity, we can transform it into testimony and opportunity.” Words that echo what the young man told his friends in the days of suffering: «Every day that passes is a continuous discovery for me… without this suffering I would have continued to stay away from him even if I thought he was close… to continue living my life in the uncertainty taken by the things of this world. Now I see what I didn’t see before! Good day and good work”.
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After the reports, the lieutenant of the force, Raiano, recited the carabiniere’s prayer. Following, the musical intervention with the singing of the Akedà by Alessandro Labate, Ismaele and Simone Cannizzaro. Finally, the gift from the “Alessandro Caracciolo” association of a painting depicting some moments of Alessandro’s life, created by the artist Francesco Lia and which will be exhibited at Palazzo San Giorgio.
