On April 25th, the Comites of San Francisco honored the 79th Anniversary of Italy’s liberation from Nazifascism and the end of World War II with a special event at the Museo ItaloAmericanoMuseo Italo Americano in San Francisco, attended by 80+ people. The evening kicked off with a nod to last year’s commemoration at Casa Fugazi. Maria Fassio Pignati sang “Bella Ciao,” accompanied by an enthusiastic audience joining in to sing along. The program featured a presentation by Professor Douglas Kenning on “The Advent of the Italian Republic: Historical and Political Implications,” alongside personal testimonials. As a special surprise, Franca Bannerman shared her memories of the post-liberation events in Torino. Additionally, attendees listened to the memories (translated into English and read by Sonia Alioto) of Maria Antonia from Marozzo, a 99-year-old woman interviewed by Sonia, as well as a lecture about Fascism in Dalmatia during WWII (translated into English and read by Sonia Alioto), originally written by Silvia Luscia, a history teacher from Lago di Garda.
Two poignant reflections marked the evening:
Red Poppies, resilient symbols of strength, beauty, and remembrance, endure even in the harshest conditions, reminding us of lives lost in battle and inspiring hope for the future.
“Bella Ciao,” originating in Italy but embraced globally, embodies universal values of liberty and resistance against oppression, earning its title as the ‘resistance song.’
Wrapping up the celebration, Rudy Fanetti-Durán, Co-Founder of C’era Una Volta, provided delectable appetizers, complemented by excellent wines generously donated by Rino Bertini from the Castello di Fagnano and Castello di Corbara wineries.
Special thanks go to the Museo Italo Americano and Sandra Bagnatori for graciously hosting the event, to Paola Tonelli and Sonia Alioto for organizing on behalf of COM.IT.ES. of San Francisco, to Sara Bianchi Chamberlin for capturing the event on film, to Bianca Friundi for technical support, and Gina von Esmarch for capturing the photos. Appreciation also extends to all who contributed to the event’s significance, including Italian Consul General of San Francisco, Sergio Strozzi, and Daniela Mazza, Director of the Consular Education Office, and the Leonardo da Vinci Board. Notable attendees from Comites, beyond Paola Tonelli, Sonia Alioto, and Sara Bianchi Chamberlin, included Francesca Bannerman, Rino Bertini, Guido Mastropaolo, Ilia Smith, and Gina von Esmarch. #community#SFItalians#italianamerican#italianamericanevents#comitessf#bellaciao#historicalreflections