Just above Florence in the hills to the north, I came upon this sweet little park in the forest that covers either side of the paved road.

The sign attached to the fence tells the story. It reads “Commune of Florence, District Council. This small garden is located where the bodies of Mary Cox and Maria Penne Caraviello were discovered. Two women, victims of the ferocity of fascisim. For everlasting memory, June 22, 1986.”

The quote at the top of this sign above says “The misunderstandings of the present fatally grow from the ignorance of the past. Marc Bloch”

“The ANPI section of Rifredi remembers Maria Penne, wife of Rocco Caraviello, partisan of the G.A.P. (group of patriotic action) who often supported him in the fight against nazi fascism. The fascists of the “Charity Band” after having murdered her husband, arrested her and transferred her to their post of villa Triste where she underwent severe atrocities and torture. The 21st of June 1944 she was transported to this place where, together with Mary Cox and others, she was shot and where her body was abandoned. In memory of her sacrifice for the Liberty supported our commitment: Never again fascism.”

Mary Cox’s memorial sign reads as follows:

“The ANPI section of Rifredi remembers Mary Rose Evelyn Cox, professor of English, courageously hosted partisan Florentines in her home. The 19th of June 1944 the fascists of the famous ” Charity band” arrested her and took her to their headquarters and subjected her to torture in Villa Triste. The 21st of June 1944 she was transported her and together with others she was shot and her body was abandoned. In memory of her sacrifice for Freedom strengthens our commitment: Never again fascism.”

If you are moved by this story, as I surely am, please go to https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/7849/via-di-capornia-murders to read about it in English. If you Google their full names, you will find more information as well.

Never forget.