The Rest of the Story!!!!

Let's review the facts: I am in Italy on an Army contract to entertain the children of our troops at bases across Italy for "Month of the Military Child". We are in Verona, somewhat by last-minute 'accident' by virtue of forgetting to make a reservation for the Saturday before Easter. Once in Verona, we decide to get tickets to go into the Colosseum as our one European tour and treat to each other. At the exact minute that we are looking out from the ancient Roman walls we see below us a parade of US Army vehicles circle the town square, massing together in conclusion. We go down into the square to find out what we are observing.

As we get into the square, making our way between the vehicles, we realize that those in dress uniform are Italian. We ascertain this fact, by the reality that we can't understand a word that they are saying. We ask from jeep to sidecar motorcycle if anyone speaks English? We are directed to a very mature woman who greets us with tears of joy. "You are from America??" She hugs us. With tears in her eyes, she shares that we have just witnessed the annual 're-enactment' of the liberation of Verona by the Americans at the end of WWII. She introduces us further to her family and friends -- exclaiming how we are there to participate in the celebration, as we are Americans. She chatters on enthusiastically in Italian and we are the recipients of more & more hugs.

Every year. We are held in such high regard. Decades & decades later the celebration continues. Hundreds and hundreds in the parade. Thousands lining the streets for the grand finale. We keep pinching ourselves over our amazing good fortune to have been able to see all the goodwill expressed. Verona! What a memory.