In Altamura (Bari), the lockdown and the patients who died positive for the corona virus infection were remembered on 30 May 2024 with a solemn ceremony.
A gesture of love from the entrepreneur Pietro Ninivaggi to remember 150 victims affected by covid-19 in the years 2020-21-22 with the free construction of a wooded park, and with guaranteed maintenance by En.fo Service , thanks also to the Municipality of Altamura which made an abandoned area of approximately 10,000 square meters available. Hence the recovery of an unused space on the outskirts of the city, making the area more decorous.
150 holm oaks were planted, each bearing a plaque with the name of the missing person. The lockdown has left an unfillable void in families who have experienced terrible moments.
The number of confirmed victims in the Altamura community is 140; the other 10, compared to the 150 deaths, refer to entrepreneurs who have distinguished themselves for their spirit of belonging by generating employment through their entrepreneurial activities in the area.
The inauguration was attended by the mayor Vitantonio Petronella; the bishop Mons. Giuseppe Russo; the parish priest of the church of Sant’Anna Don Rocco Scalera; Gen. Francesco Dimarno of the local Bersaglieri Association.
The entrepreneur Pietro Ninivaggi of the Alta Murgia Productive Activities Committee, who wanted to remain anonymous, came out at the insistence of the journalist Giovanni Mercadante, explained how the Park was born, created thanks to private initiative.
Immediately after the inauguration of the Park, many people reported the names of their relatives who died of Covid outside the territory; the list at this point is being updated, and it is therefore possible to report the details of those who are not yet included.
The ceremony, celebrated in front of a large audience, aroused great emotion; a statue representing the Redeemer was discovered on this occasion; furthermore, around ten white stone benches have been positioned in the area.
The relatives who have benefited from a tree with a name will have to take care of it during the growth phase; all the trees at the moment, although of an average height of 2 meters, are still fragile. They need care and attention with a jug of water as needed.
The mayor Prof. Vitantonio Petronella expressed great satisfaction for this noble initiative underlining the importance of the place which from an abandoned area has been transformed into a sacred place that pays homage to its memory; It will be the responsibility of the municipal administration – the mayor commented – to supervise this space as it does for other sites intended for public greenery.
Even the Bishop of the diocese of Altamura, Mons. Giuseppe Russo, expressed words of appreciation for the precious idea, hoping that the Covid experience, which caused a collective stupor, leaves a positive trace.
Photo credit by Raffaele Barone
