Red, White, and Green

 Italy celebrated its 150 year anniversary of unification this week!

That's right. This land of early Etruscans, Roman ruins, medieval castles and Renaissance masterpieces is younger than the Unites States.



In Rome and throughout Italy, Giuseppe Garibaldi is honored for his role as a military leader in forming the new country in 1861.



This past January, models of a dozen scenes were on display in Florence showing the various battles Garibaldi fought throughout the pennisula. 




This week, we found the red, white and green of the Italian flag everywhere, a symbol of Italian unity.

We've seen red, white and green fashion,

red, white and green street art,


 




                                                                  




 ...and red, white and green in almost every shop keeper's window!



The Italian flag flew across the streets and outside of windows and doors.



It hung alongside the flag of Japan, whose people have been in our hearts this week.

We were proud to fly the Italian flag from our apartment window. (Our apartment includes the 2 windows to the left and the 1 window to the right of the flag.)

And what's an Italian birthday party without gelato?

  

Buon compleanno, Italia!    Happy Birthady, Italy!