Liberation yesterday and today

The calendar follows us with passing days and various anniversaries or reminders. The risk of becoming accustomed to anniversaries and days is lurking. Maybe it's important to understand what it's really worth. Because there are dates that cannot fade, for everyone's good. We just have April 25th, Liberation Day, behind us. On this vital anniversary for our country, thoughts and beliefs are condensed that remain at the basis of our being together, counting on the decisive and engaging value of democracy rediscovered almost 80 years ago, emerging from a devastating war, also thanks to those who rebelled against Nazi-fascist dictatorship and lived through the courageous season of Liberation. In times like ours which see black clouds of wars on the horizon that are perceived to be close at hand, with disturbing escalations lurking, while in the world there is no shortage of abuses of power at every latitude, we must return to that season in which the Democratic Italy remains a step not to be snubbed or overlooked.

We urgently need to rediscover love and dedication for our communities, in which to protect democratic rights and cultivate the duties of participation and sharing. Many, eighty years ago, dedicated themselves to these intentions, many believed in a civil testimony to be put to work. All this needs to be remembered, but not only superficially. Much less a tired habit. Instead, a memory that touches souls, that draws a commitment in today, that nourishes a "being there" within today's urgencies of the problematic time to live. Whoever freed us from Nazi-fascism ideally handed over to our history a handful of values ​​to reflect on, to keep alive. Even just (and this is no small thing) by exercising that regained right to express a democratic vote, while almost one in two Italians now seems to be deserting the polls. And the ballot boxes themselves are even objects of unacceptable bartering, as investigations demonstrate.

But there is a country to keep standing with the responsibility of each and every one, in a European framework which is also fraying and which could crumble if a broader vision is missing, beyond the many selfishness and the many geopolitical short-sightednesses. . Eighty years ago men and women of courage were able to decide which side to take, risking their lives. The witness that that generation hands over to us is a mission to be protagonists of high democracy, in critical times. Leaving the stands of distracted or indifferent spectators, instead assuming the vocation of "citizens" who take care of and take charge of the common home, in diversity and sharing, in rights and duties.

Corrado Avagnina
NP May 2024