Italians Can Be Great People..

Sprayber · December 4, 2003, 19:20

By Chiara Mattirolo
December 2, 2003

Yellow ribbons not just an American tradition

Quote:

Camp Darby – Livorno, Italy (Army News Service, Dec. 2, 2003) -- Yellow ribbons signifying hope for a safe return have been popping up all over America for years. But when M1 Abrams tanks sporting yellow ribbons on their gun barrels returned from an Italian painting contractor, heads turned.

In an unsolicited show of solidarity in the war on terrorism, workers at Armanino Import-Export have been making their feelings known by adding yellow ribbons and prayer cards to freshly painted tanks.

Army Materiel Command’s Combat Equipment Battalion–Livorno has been sending vehicles and equipment to civilian contractors in order to meet a high-priority mission. “I have been working in repainting vehicles for Camp Darby since 1997, I counted over 500 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles and over 150 tanks” said Umberto Armanino, one of the owners of the Armanino Import-Export, a father & son firm.

Armanino Import-Export first delivered two tanks with a bit of non-standard gear to CEB-LI on Sept. 11, 2003.

“I knew that I was sending these vehicles back on the anniversary of the Twin Towers terrorist attack, so I decided to place a yellow bow on each vehicle to express our sympathy to the United States” explained Umberto Armanino. Also attached was a hand-written card in Italian and English, saying, “May this vehicle bring you safely home by the grace of God…”

When LTC Sandy W. Pogue, CEB-LI commander, inspected the tanks, he was impressed by more than the top-quality paint job.

“I was amazed to such solidarity, especially in these contentious times. Yellow ribbons have a deep meaning to American soldiers and their families, so I was moved to respond to the Armanino’s gesture,” Pogue said.

Pogue visited the shop in the small Italian town of Carrara, in November to present coins and award certificates for continuous support and solidarity shown to Americans.

The Armanino family has a history of comradeship with Americans.

“My father rescued an American pilot that crashed with his plane in Sestri Levante, during World War II. He helped him crossing the Gothic line, and brought him to the United States Command. Since then, thru his bedtime stories, the United States has always been part of our family story,” Umberto said.

“Right after World War II, I started collecting American jeep vehicles, I collected them from bases in Germany and in Holland. These were vehicles that needed repair and were no longer in use. I took them, brought them to my shop, completely restored them, and sold them to collectors” said Armando Armanino, ex- partisan, and owner of the company.

“Since then I continued working thru the DRMOs, mainly Livorno and La Maddalena, I buy old American items, I fix them and sell them. Now all of the family is sharing my project: My daughter Giuditta just opened an American military clothing shop in Sestri Levante, and we named it “Ground Zero” in honor of the victims of the Twin Towers terrorist attack,” he said.

“There’s always two sides to a story. We read and hear a lot about protests, but everybody needs to know that there is a lot of wonderful people here in Tuscany that supports us,” said Pogue.

“It’s a great honor for us to receive this recognition today” Umberto said. “America is a free country that always fought for democracy, the Americans are in Iraq to free the country from a dictatorship. America is a free country, we are allies and friends, we are there to fight for ourselves too.”

So before the cynics get in there and post thier rolleyes and before they go into a tirade about the evil Americans, I'll say my peace.

The two times I was in Italy around the Camp Darby area I had nothing but good experiences from the locals. I especilly loved the Carrara areal. I carried away a ton of marble i bet

My time around Vencenza was a little less nice but that was more due to the living conditions than anything the locals did. More than anything I'd like to hear some more experiences that any of you all had in Italy. There are few places I have loved more than Nothern Italy. I did the whole Rome tour thing but it could not compare to the Northern part.

Bereta_Eder · December 4, 2003, 19:22

What can I say about Italy? I love the place. My backyard, that's how I see it. (and that's a good meaning for those who'd wonder)

Drogue · December 4, 2003, 20:09

Italy

I may not agree with some of the war, but it's certainly a nice gesture

centrifuge · December 4, 2003, 20:17

Italy rocks

I was there for a couple of weeks in 2001, and except for the pick pockets

: everybody was extremely hospitable. I plan to go back as soon as I'm able.

I didn't make it very far north, the furthest north that I went was Florence and the furthest south was Napoli. The best places that I visited were all of the small hill towns, the culture and atmosphere was fantastic.

Bereta_Eder · December 4, 2003, 20:32

And Italy rocks because it's a great culture just like the whole of the Mediterenean. With so many milenia of history to draw from, they know what's the deal. Civilized people and worthy to live life.

*starts singing a caza d'irene*

Sprayber · December 4, 2003, 21:15

Quote:

Originally posted by centrifuge
Italy rocks

I didn't make it very far north, the furthest north that I went was Florence and the furthest south was Napoli. The best places that I visited were all of the small hill towns, the culture and atmosphere was fantastic.

You have to go up to the North. Very beautiful up there. When I get a chance to go back I'd like to vist some places further south than I had. Of course the area around Pisa was nice too. The beaches there were great.

Bereta_Eder · December 4, 2003, 21:18

oooops what i said had nothing to do witjh americans in case that was thought. just with a certain nw bleached humorless liveless people of a certain island

Sprayber · December 4, 2003, 21:22

Quote:

Originally posted by paiktis22
oooops what i said had nothing to do witjh americans in case that was thought. just with a certain nw bleached humorless liveless people of a certain island

VetLegion · December 4, 2003, 21:24

If I may be a voice of dissent, I don't see why Italy is so special...

...and I especially don't see the point of this article which was a total waste of my time.

Sprayber · December 4, 2003, 21:31

Quote:

Originally posted by VetLegion
If I may be a voice of dissent, I don't see why Italy is so special...

...and I especially don't see the point of this article which was a total waste of my time.

You wasted your own time by reading it. You only have yourself to blame. So move along now, and stop wasting your time.

VetLegion · December 4, 2003, 21:38

I've just begun waisting my time

If I can also be frank it seems to me you (USA) are so desperate for foreign support you quote even the most insignificant examples. Yes, some Italians support USA. But most don't.

Sprayber · December 4, 2003, 21:47

Quote:

Originally posted by VetLegion
I've just begun waisting my time

If I can also be frank it seems to me you (USA) are so desperate for foreign support you quote even the most insignificant examples. Yes, some Italians support USA. But most don't.

Your name is Frank

It doesnt matter how many Italians support the US. It doesn't matter if the only Italians that support the US are those mentioned in the story. It doesnt matter except in your little world.

Your a poor troll. Please leave it to those that know how to. Your just annoying.

VetLegion · December 4, 2003, 21:56

If I provoked a reaction it is not because I intended to troll.

You are entitled to your opinion and your thread, and I am entitled to say what I think about it and I have said it. Simple.

Sprayber · December 4, 2003, 22:01

Quote:

Originally posted by VetLegion
If I provoked a reaction it is not because I intended to troll.

You are entitled to your opinion and your thread, and I am entitled to say what I think about it and I have said it. Simple.

Great, you said it. Freedom is secure.

VetLegion · December 4, 2003, 22:10

Come on, I didn't hurt your feelings or something?

I find this expression of support by an Italian that is making a living of US Army perfectly normal. Expected. I can't begin to see why this is special.

gopher · December 4, 2003, 22:55

The Italians and Spainards are the best. Meet them for 10 minutes, they treat you like old friends. Ask them for a small thing, say a smoke, and they will literally force you to take the entire pack (but I don't smoke, I just wanted to see them!).
Then again, it may help that I look like a spaghetti-eating, large-nosed, hariy-backed dago.

Dis · December 5, 2003, 03:35

I love Italian women the most. Go to Rome, very nice selection

Az · December 5, 2003, 05:02

Italians are very much like Israelis, or so I heard.

Spiffor · December 5, 2003, 05:07

As a cynical that pops up, I have only one thing to say:

Thank you for your attention

Edit: gah, I forgot the tirade about the evil Americans

laurentius · December 5, 2003, 06:16

I can do that Spif

Kropotkin · December 5, 2003, 07:10

Quote:

So before the cynics get in there and post thier rolleyes...

Nope, I get you off the hook. The rolleyes smiley has been degraded with some silly hat, you'll have to get by with a

But, no really. What's up with people that have a habit of labeling entire populations as good or bad? And this after a couple of short visits.

Verres · December 5, 2003, 09:48

Quote:

In an unsolicited show of solidarity in the war on terrorism, workers at Armanino Import-Export have been making their feelings known by adding yellow ribbons and prayer cards to freshly painted tanks.

Pretty yellow ribbons! that must look a little disturbing on tanks....but does convey 'the beauty of war' i suppose

Nice gesture, somehow accessorising tanks like this does not seem too surprising for Italy.

Adagio · December 5, 2003, 10:03

I've been to Italy twice, both for 10 days...

The first trip was with school, where we had to live with some Italian families... And as far as I remember, there were none from my class who had any problems with them... I didn't get to know all, but them I got to know

Specially the family I got to live with

The second time was a hollyday with the family... the people I talked to (of the Italian people that is) were all nice... the only people on that trip who wasn't 'nice to talk to' where our danish guides

Drogue · December 5, 2003, 14:42

Quote:

Originally posted by Verres
Nice gesture, somehow accessorising tanks like this does not seem too surprising for Italy.

As with all things in life, it's the accessories that matter

Edit:

Ok, maybe today has affected my feminine side more than I realised

Pekka · December 5, 2003, 15:32

Italy is great I agree. They have GREAT GREAT GREAT food, interesting history and culture... Forget about Fiat and Berlusconi, it's a good one

I also like the whole mediterranean thing.. one of the places I really like to visit for a vacation and relaxing. Also beautiful women.. good football.. all in all, it's pretty nice.

Theben · December 5, 2003, 15:48

Quote:

Originally posted by gopher
Then again, it may help that I look like a spaghetti-eating, large-nosed, hariy-backed dago.

I'll have you know that I have no hair on my back, thank you very much.

centrifuge · December 5, 2003, 15:50

OMG, I almost forgot about the women!

The most beautiful that I've had the fortune to see.