On August 9th Gianluca was named an honorary citizen of  Lettomanoppollo, Pescara during which he was called, “The Gentleman of Abruzzo.”  He gave a wonderful speech.  Ineke needed to have that speech translated from Italian.  Both Daniela and Lydka immediately responded.  It was at the end of comments from Daniela’s post on 8/28.  I was afraid that most of you may have missed the exchange…So here is his speech and that translation.  I have also added remarks from another proud “Abruzzese”.  -Marie

“First of all, I want to say I am a shy guy and I also get easily moved, and sometimes words just fail in me. But, I am speaking from the heart. Even if we do not know each other, we all know each other! What is joining us? This love – a platonic love, I would say. As the most beautiful thing is to get to the audience through an art, that is actually what I have always wanted to do, since I was young, and that is music. So, through my voice, our voices, getting to you and seeing all of you here tonight, for me, I get moved… I do really get moved, indeed. I can’t almost believe it! Anyway, I was born in a town that is just a little bit smaller – or maybe a lot smaller – than this one; this is a large town! Anyway, to be able to arrive here, where I am today, it’s really something… I am very excited, indeed! Thank you! I am also proud to be from Lettomanoppello. Nothing similar has ever happened to me, is it true, dad? My dad knows this, too… A honorary citizenship from… I want to say thanks to you all, to the Mayor, to the President of the Region, everyone of you! I feel… see, really words just fail in me! I am really excited… Then, as it was said before, I am very proud of one thing. As you know, there are 2 Sicilians in the group with me. Being from Sicily is easier! Being from Abruzzo it is not, you know… especially around the world… when we go to America, to South America, to many countries around the world – I am sorry to say this – Sicily is obviously better known. And so I have to explain, to show pictures of our beautiful region. As we do not only meet Italians abroad, we also meet with the locals. And so I… maybe you know about that from the TV, you saw that I always speak about Abruzzo, I name Abruzzo, also my town – Roseto, Montepagano – and the whole Abruzzo, as I am proud of being an “Abruzzese”, I have always been proud to be, and to bring Abruzzo around the world. So I am a “paganese” (from Montepagano), a “rosetano” (from Roseto) and from today also a “lettese” (from Lettomanoppello). And I am proud, and very happy! Thank you very much to you all, indeed.”                                     All credits to francy.b from AAIV.

Translated remarks from Marcella Sigismondi who posted the above video.

Now no word is effective enough to describe you and your companions of this extraordinary journey.
” when a person is simple you conquer the heart.
When a person is humble makes you reflect.
When a person is loving triggers concussion.
When a person is sincere, authentic inspire confidence.
When a person moves you has already entered into the heart.
When a person sings with the heart shall communicate emotions that arrive in the soul by giving that sense of inner well-being in paradise.
When a distinguished person of world renown is excited to conquer the whole world “.
Thank you Gianluca you’re an amazing guy, example and model for all, your heart is a treasure trove that guard the most precious values and we are to support you in your journey to sweep the leaden clouds and to light the path with love respect and discretion. How you sing. The Abruzzo moves and forever with you.
— feeling proud to be from Abruzzo in Lettomanoppello.’