No "sabato musicale" tonight, following the solemn funerals of the victims of the Messina tragedy. Instead, I am posting this tribute to Pasquale Simone Neri, Petty Officer, First Class, in the Italian Navy, who lost his own life whilst trying to save others.
Always known as Simone, this brave young man, who would have celebrated his thirtieth birthday in nine days' time, led eight people to the safety of a rooftop. Then he heard a child cry. He called his girlfriend, saying,
"There's a child crying. I am going to save him. Whatever happens, remember I love you."
But in just a few moments, everything was submerged in mud and debris. Simone's body was found two days later.
Image: Wikimedia CommonsEight bodies remain to be found at Messina.
10 comments:
A lovely tribute WL..thoughts and prayers for all x
Everywhere I turn there seems to be a funeral. Two at Bivongi while I was there, the funeral for the six from Kabul and Bongiorno on TV, the procession in the street yesterday in Borgosesia. It is harder when it is a young person and extremely touching when it is someone who risks their life to save another. He certainly is a hero.
That is a lovely post to have made. God bless that man and those loved ones who he has left behind.
One can only add to the chorus.
Beautiful, Welshcakes - what a poignant and inspiring story. And what a terrible loss. He deserves a fitting permanent memorial, this fine young man.
Your post does a splendid job, exemplary of its kind.
It seems that much solidarity was demonstrated by/among the residents of Messina, and that at least is heartening.
Did you ever see'Postman's Park' in the City of London, where there are plaques commemorating individuals who lost their lives trying to save others? It is a wonderful haven for the living in general, and in particular proves there are people among us who quietly achieve heroism. Caroline (on my blogroll) has covered the place far better than I could.
Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated, Anne. Hi, Bev. Yes, a bad time of year, somehow. Yes, I agree this young man is a hero. Hi, DD. My thoughts are with his family and fiancée, too. Hi, James. I know your thoughts will be with them, too. Hi, Phidelm. All the Messinesi interviewed on TV yestaerday said that they were there to show their support for the families. But there is anger, too. We'll just have to wait for the enquiry into the cause. I've never seen "Postman's Park". I will look at Caroline's post.
A fine tribute to a brave man Welshcakes
Hi, jams. A very brave man indeed.
What a wonderful young man.
Hi, Liz. Yes, wonderful indeed.
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