The "Militari" came to town!

     I pass through Piazza Santa Croce to and from home almost every day and today something was very different! The usually quiet square full of tourists and the occasional monk or priest going into the basilica was replaced with tanks, motorcycles, army bunkers, and soldiers or "soldati". The Italian military was having a promotion day hoping to lour local Florentines into service under the Republic, and had their different branches of armed forces set up in tents to hand out information. I was intrigued! I guess the American military does this at local campuses around the States and I often saw the regular army cadet at UGA handing out flyers, but this was impressive. The tanks were massive, and the recreated first aid or red cross station was so cool. The different branches also had their dress uniforms on, complete with feathered hats and shinning swords clanging at their sides. I walked through to see some of the sites, but still felt a little hesitant about my Italian, and did not want to make a cultural mistake here amongst Italy's bravest, finest, and most armed.

     When I picked Giova up from school that day, I told him that the "militari" were at the house, and looking for him. He smiled and said that it was not true, and I told him that we would just have to go and see. All the way home he kept asking me if I was "for real", sounding more anxious and nervous with every asking and as we got closer and closer. As we came to the corner of the Piazza his eyes opened so wide as he yelled "There they are!" we parked the bike, and started to walk around when he caught a glimpse of the tank standing imposingly in the corner, cannon pointed into the crowd. He immediately ran over towards it and saw another little boy wearing an oversized army helmet complete with eye-piece and antenna standing in the turret. He yanked on my hand and begged me to let him up in the tank as well. We waited for our turn and when the soldier placed the huge helmet on his head, it bobbed and bounced under the weight, while he tried to maneuver himself into the tank and up through the hole leading to the turret. We got our pictures taken in front of this goliath machine, and Giova got one taken while he was in the belly of the beast. Now that I had my little-bit-bigger-than-a-pocket translator with me I felt comfortable walking up to the booths and looking at the promotional materials. We collected pens, posters, post cards, and arm bracelets like the yellow "Live Strong" bracelets of Lance Armstrong. I wear my to this day to remind me of military service all over the world that keeps me safe and secure. I was thinking all the while about those friends of mine back in the states who were either already deployed on foreign service, or were in the process of their own enlistment. I cannot help but to be thankful for the commitment and strength they show by their service to our country and to providing freedom that I all too often take for granted. Asa and Cameron, love, miss and am so proud of you guys! This was a fun chance to see a side of a country that many tourists never even think about and most don't ever see. I am really impressed with the Italian military and am really glad to share this day with my bud Giova!