Braided in Fire

The 50th anniversary of the Sommocolonia Battle  12/26/94.  Taken outside the church: Irma Biondi left, Solace Wales right.

On the commemoration of the battle 12/26/97 the author did a reading to introduce the community to Arlene Fox (the hero’s widow) and several veterans who would be visiting the village.  The American Console General to Florence, Louis McCall (shown to the left in the photo) attended. The author is to his right.

On 12/26/98, the author reminds community leaders of the significance of the dream Arlene Fox had at the time of the battle.

At the honoring of Lt John Fox and his fellow soldiers in Sommocolonia on 7/16/2000, the author reads the Italian translation of Arlene Fox’s letter of thanks to the community.  Left of her is Morgan Charles, John and Arlene Fox’s grandson, right of her is Albert Burke, President of the 92nd Buffalo Div Veterans Association, Dr. Enrico Gonnella, President of the Sommocolonia La Rocca committee and Prof. Umberto Sereni, mayor of Barga.

Solace Wales reading on 75th anniversary of the battle of Sommocolonia 12.26.2019

Author Solace Wales reading during commemorative events marking the 75th anniversary of the battle of Sommocolonia.

Author Solace Wales reading during commemorative events marking the 75th anniversary of the battle of Sommocolonia.

Actress Gaia Biagioni of Barga offered to read the Prologue of Braided in Fire for that portion of the reading; a part of the 75th anniversary events.

Attendees of the commemorative events marking the 75th anniversary of the battle of Sommocolonia.

To the right of the author Solace Wales is Monsignore Stefano Serafini of the Barga Cathedral. To the far left, Anna Rosiello, to the far right Maria Grazia Rosiello. The sisters are from the Vincenti family who donated the land & tower ruin for Sommocolonia’s La Rocca alla Pace.

The author with Sindaca Caterina Campani, the mayor of Barga, during commemorative events marking the 75th anniversary of the battle of Sommocolonia.