The Aquilana Giusi Pitari wrote to Barack Obama. She is a professor of chemical biology. Due to the huge G8 security plan her University of L’Aquila has been closed since Saturday 4th of July and will only reopen on Monday the 13th. Not even the earthquake was able to close the University – only the G8 summit.
Giusi Pitari lives in the town centre. Today at 3.32am was a sad birthday: exactly 3 months ago, the terrible earthquake destroyed their lives. On june 29, she sent these words to the President of the United States:
»Esteemed President Obama,
My name is Giusi Pitari, and I am a Professor at the University of L’Aquila, the city where the G8 summit will be held. It is likely that you will stay in, and hold meetings with other Heads of State, at the School of the Guardia di Finanza, the police body responsible for border control and fraud investigation.
The media report that this school has been prepared for the Summit and that it is beautiful: luxurious apartments, warm rooms, flowering gardens, and now a new basketball court built for your enjoyment.
I don’t need to tell you that, at this time, the citizens of L’Aquila (Aquilani) have nowhere to live, but at the same time, are hopeful that the presence of the Heads of State who will be here for the Summit will be useful to this city, which, please believe me, was extraordinarily beautiful.
I am not requesting that you receive me, as I am sure many have. I would, however, greatly appreciate that you recommend to our Italian Leaders that, following the G8 Summit, the School of the Guardia di Finanza be turned over to the university students of L’Aquila, who have nowhere to study in the upcoming year, and the city of L’Aquila risks folding. The school where you will be received has many vacant apartments, which are not being used, while outside of its walls thousands of students, while continuing their studies, sleep in tents, or travel many kilometers daily to study.
I am confident of your great sensibility and your belief in today’s youth, and I sincerely appreciate your time in this matter.
With enormous respect,
Giusi Pitari »
On june 1st, 2009, a (very little) part of the town centre was reopened. This is a short film about by Luca Cococetta
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaL9m7Ljdz0]
A quiet ceremony: On july 6, 2009, 3h32, 3 months after the earthquake, circa 4000 people, most of them Aquilani did a »quiet ceremony ». This is a short film about by funambolic
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyuB_lr_NCo]
AeC
''School of the Guardia di Finanza'' : Coppito / G8, L'Aquila - Italy
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Last update: 2009 july 6, 11.30pm
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