Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
A year ago, when I first envisioned a memorial to honor the victims of the 1896 Gilorma Mill landslide in Alessandria del Carretto, where my great uncle Alessandro Arvia perished, it existed only as a quiet hope, born from love for a town and its history.
That hope was also shaped by my family’s journey: The Arvia family immigrated to Chicago, carrying with them memories of Alessandria del Carretto and the stories of those lost. Today, that hope stands in stone. What began as a heartfelt idea has grown into a community triumph shaped by generosity, determination and a commitment to remembering the past.
The project gained strength from donors in America who felt the pull of their roots and responded with extraordinary kindness. Their contributions crossed oceans, proving that heritage can unite people no matter the distance. Equally vital was the unwavering support of Mayor Domenico Vuodo and his administration, whose dedication ensured the memorial progressed with care and purpose.
Formally unveiled in Alessandria del Carretto in August 2026, the monument stands as a permanent tribute to the lives lost in 1896 and as a reminder of the town’s resilience and of the global community that helped bring this vision to life. More than stone, it is a promise: that the story of the Gilorma Mill victims will endure, and that unity, memory and love for one’s origins can create something lasting.
