Heart of
Tandem
By
Luigi De Biase
Publication
Date:June 11, 2006
Fratelli d'Italia,
l'Italia s'и desta," sang the schoolchildren of the York Region
Catholic School Board, assembled in Vaughan to celebrate Italy's Republic Day.
Over 300 school kids and their teachers convened at the Sports Village of the
'City Above Toronto' in the early afternoon.
Many of them have
only seen Italy on a TV screen, but Italy was sewn on their clothes, in the
soccer jerseys, maybe borrowed from their big brothers, and in homemade three-coloured flags.
Other flags had been raised, hours earlier, on the pennants of the Vaughan and
Toronto City Halls. Queen's Park hosted the most solemn flag-raising ceremony
of the day, with the first official celebration of the Italian Republic Day ever.
Consul General of Italy to Toronto Emanuele Punzo
stood side by side with ministers and members of the Federal and Provincial
Parliaments. People like Mario Sergio and Mike Colle,
who most advocated for the recognition of this Italian civic holiday in Canada.
Also, Greg Sorbara, Judy Sgro, Julian Fantino. There were also many representatives of Italian
and Italian-Canadian institutions, led by Gino Bucchino, first Member of
Italian Parliament elected by Italians in North America. "The ceremony was
beautiful, intense and moving," commented Sergio at the end of the day.
"Beholding the Italian flag flying up there was truly splendid. This was a
moment of great pride for us, which we should thank
Canada for: this is a country of freedom that gives us a lot every day."
The collaboration and willingness of Canadian institutions have been essential
in allowing the birth of the Republic of Italy to be remembered in Toronto.
"We were given every support," continued an emotional Mario Sergio.
"Participation was very good. Just think that there were no fewer than 15
consular representatives attending the flag-raising ceremony, including the
U.S."
The Italian flag was also raised over the Vaughan City Hall. Mayor Michael Di Biase and representatives of the Toronto Comites and of
several veterans' associations (Carabinieri, Alpini and Fanti) stood to
attention during the flag raising.
That marked the beginning of the June 2 celebration.
Three hundred
students from York Region Catholic schools (Blessed Trinity, St. David and
Father John Kelly) participated to the big party organized by the Toronto
Comites.
Consular official Elena Sollazzo brought the
salutations of Consul General Emanuele Punzo, who was
attending the Queen's Park ceremony. "It gives us great pleasure to see
all these children. You," said Sollazzo
addressing the students, "represent continuity, the future of our nation.
Italy is kept together by a series of traditions and a common history, which
make us feel one country. This sense of unity is present in every Italian,
whether living in our native land or abroad."
Master of Ceremonies Mimmo Rizzo, who also organized
the event with Giacomo Parisi
and the Toronto Comites members, introduced Vaughan mayor Michael Di Biase, Centro Scuola director
Alberto Di Giovanni, and Toronto Comites chair Gino Cucchi.
"By coming here," said Cucchi, "you
get an opportunity to remember your origin and your roots. Don't lose the
passion for your parents' traditions and language."
The event continued with the children performing songs, dances and games. A
festive crowd of kids, aged 6 to 15, respectful and
well mannered and proud to wave Italian flags.
"I was really impressed by the ease with which these children learned the
teachings of their professors. They represent nobility and purity, and for sure
we shall try to do even better in future," concluded Rizzo.
Celebrations continued also on the following day. On Saturday the emphasis fell
on Italian folklore and regional culture, with entertainment provided by Gruppo Folkloristico Oshawa Italian Recreational Club, Minturno
Social Club Folk Groups, Coro Italia-l'Aquila, Coro Abruzzo and Biagio Bucaro.
Story Location: http://www.tandemnews.com/
viewstory.php?storyid=6336
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