The 25 April It is a very important date for Italy as a whole and for democracy.
It is Italy’s Liberation Day from the Nazi-Fascist occupation following the choral action of the Resistance. It is thanks to the Resistance that today we know an Italy free from all those mechanisms of oppression and abuse that the fascist regime had imposed on the people.
The anniversary of the Liberation is a symbolic day to commemorate and never forget what happened about eighty years ago.
79 years have passed since the armed struggle of the partisans, a struggle that continues, albeit in different forms, so that anti-fascist values are always clearly present in the collective conscience. The values of freedom, justice and indignation towards any form of abuse must always be clear and present in everyone.
April 25th in defense of freedom
April 25th, Liberation Day, is a day to renew the commitment handed down by partisans, men and women, anti-fascists who fought courageously even at the cost of losing their lives. The commitment to share and always carry forward is to defend Freedom.
Remembering is essential to knowing what has been and what must never be again. Anti-fascist values teach us to recognize abuse and perceive even the smallest injustice.
On this important occasion, the ANPI (National Association of Italian Partisans) of Acireale, “Placido Rizzotto” section”, wanted to contribute by inviting all citizens to participate in the initiative held in Acireale, in Piazza Garibaldi.
A first moment was dedicated to the commemoration of the war dead and all the martyrs by the municipal administration. Present were the mayor of Acireale, Roberto Barbagallo, together with other institutional figures, the Armed Forces Corps and various cultural and civil voluntary associations. It was a moment of commemorative contemplation through the traditional rite of raising the flag and observing a few minutes of silence.
Recollection in front of the monument to the partisans
The second moment, organized by the Anpi of Acireale, took place at the monument to the Acireale partisans located in Piazza Garibaldi. The initiative saw moments of reflection with various interventions by representatives of the association.
Roberto Barbagallo, as mayor, also brought his testimony to the community. Following was the president of the Anpi “Placido Rizzotto” section, Maurizio Musumeci, who gave his contribution by recalling the particular historical period in which we find ourselves, inviting us to spread anti-fascist ideas by involving young people and promoting the truth of the events that occurred . In the speech, rich in historical references, he did not fail to cite and recall crucial facts of Nazi-fascist oppression.
The subsequent interventions were those of Mario D’Anna and Giuseppe Grasso. Furthermore, the ANPI asked the administration, following up on what has already been done, to continue the process and provide further physical spaces to be dedicated to the memory of both other Acicine partisans and the Acinese deportees to concentration camps.
The initiative attracted good participation and was full of emotions. It ended with the beautiful music and songs of Mimì Sterrantino and Salverico Cutuli. In short, an event experienced in the civil partition, such as has not been seen for some time. Many citizens gathered immediately after the event and indulged in political commentary.
Grace Pagano
