Thanks to their efforts during the 2023 flood
Matteo Violani
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, awarded 29 certificates of honor as “Standard of the Republic”. Among these, there are three protagonists from the province of Ravenna, thanks to their actions in the days of the 2023 flood.
Here are the three new “Alfieri” from Ravenna, with the motivations of the Quirinale.
Guido Betti, 31/10/2005, resident in Ravenna. For the energy and innovative vision with which he contributed to the creation of an IT platform, which made it possible to organize more than 6 thousand volunteers in rescue operations for the population affected by the flood in Emilia-Romagna.
With great energy, competence and innovative vision Guido has provided an important contribution to the development and management of the CommunitySos IT platform, designed to allow the mapping of local needs and optimal management of volunteers during crisis and emergency events. During the recent flood that hit Emilia Romagna, in particular, thanks to CommunitySos it was possible to manage 6 thousand volunteers divided into 1100 teams, reaching all the critical areas of the province of Ravenna.
Letizia Galletti, 25/7/2004, resident in Lugo. For having brought relief with his music to many people forced to abandon their homes following the recent flood in Emilia Romagna.
During the days following the rivers’ overflow, numerous people who were unable to return to their homes found refuge at the Palabanca in Lugo di Romagna. Here many girls and boys tried to give comfort and assistance to those who had been most affected. Letizia was among these young people, who kept the older people company and played with the children. Letizia also organized moments of evening singing and with her songs she contributed to spreading a climate of solidarity and a spirit of restart. Some elderly people have even expressed the desire not to return home immediately in order to continue living in that very familiar context.
Matteo Violani, 27/4/2006, resident in Faenza. For the volunteer service provided during the flood that hit his city. His commitment constitutes an example of active citizenship and symbolizes the resilience of an entire community.
Matteo is one of the many young volunteers from Romagna who made himself available to the community after the violent flood that devastated his city and his region. The commitment and dedication he demonstrated in those difficult days were an example of active citizenship. They constitute a testimony, fortunately among many, of those who have decided not to let themselves be overcome by despair but to react by rolling up their sleeves to do their part in the emergency phase. Despite his young age, Matteo’s determination was motivating for other young people and with his work he became a point of reference for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
Violani – we quote an Ansa agency – in the summer risked his life due to an infection from a bacterium taken from the mud: «But thanks to God and the national health system I was caught in time and healed. This experience also made me understand the great value of life and how important it is to spend every minute well.”
«This recognition – he declared to Ansa – is dedicated to the thousands of young people who, like me, worked in the mud for weeks from morning to night, with strength, tenacity and also with a smile on their lips which often helped to console those who were in desperation. because he had lost everything.” In conclusion, an appeal: «There are still many people outside their homes, some will even no longer be able to return because their homes are no longer usable. Please hurry and provide the promised refreshments.”
