8th/10/2002

MEMORIAL DAY AT BOSCO DEI FAGGI SPEECH BY GIORGIO FOSSA We have all lived through a year of dreadful pain since that terrible 8th October 2001. Of this pain, however, was born the very close collaboration with the Committee, “8th October, Keeping the Memory Alive”, to whom SEA is deeply grateful. I feel I should extend that gratitude to include the City of Milan, particularly the mayor Gabriele Albertini and the deputy mayor Riccardo De Corato, as well as the prefect of Milan Bruno Ferrante and all the city authorities present. But above all my gratitude goes to you, the families and friends of those who died that day, and to all of you here today. Gratitude for your presence, the best possible way of bearing witness to memories that are still fresh in our minds. On that tragic morning SEA lost four employees, four fine persons who were busy at their work. That morning Pasquale Padovano was very badly injured. Today I am happy, and very moved, to be able to tell you that Mr Padovano is out of danger. Allow me to extend my gratitude to him, too, for his struggle to return to health. He has our full support and solidarity. On 24th March this year we, together with the Committee, the friends and families of the victims, SAS and city authorities, dedicated this wood to the memory of the victims, to prayer and to our common effort. I can assure you that our past, present and future efforts have never and will never have any other purpose than the value of remembrance and solidarity towards those who continue to bear the greatest pain: the families and friends of those who are no longer with us. Today, on this heartbreaking first anniversary, our thoughts are with them and all the work we have done together over the past months has been for them. We promise them that their pain will always be shared with the community gathered here today among these 118 beech trees. I’d like to thank you all for coming here today and I’d also like to take this opportunity to express once again my sincere gratitude to Paolo Pettinaroli and the “8th October” committee for the work we have done together until now, which SEA will ensure continues with unfailing commitment. Thank you very much.