For an Italian, 25 April means only one thing: Liberation Day.
As we all know, in fact, this day commemorates the liberation of Italy from Nazi-Fascism.
Institutional celebrations take place punctually every year in our country, in memory of the Resistance and the partisan struggle, of all those who courageously chose to put their lives at risk to ‘redeem an entire people from the barbarity of Fascism’.
What we are spontaneously asking ourselves today, however, is: are we really free? To think, to express ourselves, to voice our ideas?
It is certainly very important that there be official and formal celebrations in memory of this date that is so important to our history, but it is equally essential to ask ourselves whether the liberation brought about by this historic event persists in today’s society.
What is certain is that in Italy today no one has to pick up a rifle and go into battle, most of us can choose what to study, what job to do, where to live, who to be with.
But are we really free to publicly manifest our ideas and assert them? And at the same time, are we really protected from those who still sympathise with the ideals of Fascism?
We do not want to leave you with an answer, but with food for thought.
Happy Liberation Day to all!
