European Solidarity Knight of 2001 Honored at Gallo Verde Ceremony
Chimes and ringing bells, an ancient sword resting on the left shoulder, a tribute to solidarity and social commitment: this is how the European solidarity knight of 2001, Gallo Verde County, was born.
Diplomas were awarded to recognize the nobility of spirit of those committed to cooperation, emphasizing spirit, love, and honor. The honors were conferred by the grand master and president of the commendation commission, Armando Castellani.
The celebration took place on the anniversary of the Adriano European solidarity brotherhood, in memory of Adriano, in Gallo Verde County. The event included a church service and the solemn blessing of the new banner.
The brotherhood, dedicated to Adriano Castellani, son of the owners of the Gallo Verde estate, was founded twenty years ago, following the death of nineteen-year-old Adriano, struck by an incurable illness.
“When he died in 1981, I promised myself that I would remember him not only in the depths of my soul,” explains Castellani in a book recounting the history of the brotherhood, “but also with something tangible.”
Thus, the Brotherhood was established, with its headquarters in the manor house at Carlotte di Sopra, Bardolino. Scholars attest that the settlement had been inhabited by ancient noble peoples since 1193.
History and headquarters of the brotherhood
Later, it became the estate of Gianfilippi Campostrini. Engraved on the lintel of the entrance of the villa, which dates back to the 1300s, is the inscription “mihi carisque,” a place ideal to “valorize those who, through their charitable deeds, have honored the words that are our cornerstone and banner, namely friendship, brotherhood, and solidarity,” writes commendator Castellani.
Meetings and annual awards
The Gallo Verde Brotherhood gathers twice a year: in September, for the award of the utmost sommelier, and in May, conferring honors to representatives from all professional categories distinguished by nobility of spirit and commitment to volunteer work.
These were the awardees of 2001: Goodness Award to Father Ottorino Zamboni, missionary; excellent chef lady Luciana Benati; Sports Award to lady Francesca Porcellato; Nobility Homo Luigi Ocri; Entrepreneurial Activity Award to lady Marina Ferrari; Grand Master and Taster Valentino Lonardi; Supreme Sommelier Loris Pirana; Family Support to Raffaella and Dino Agostin; Europe 2001 Award to Arnaldo Montanari; Special Cultural Award to lady Giuseppina Napolitano.
Honors and recognitions
Honors for the European solidarity knights of 2001 were awarded to: lady Renata Bolla, Mirco Franceschetti, lady Giulia Ferro, Mr. Vico Pasqualini, Mr. Antonio Giorgi.
A special award was given to Gina Simionato for the attentive, tireless, and loving care provided to her son Gino, who was confined to bed due to a traffic accident.
