History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes.

My great great grandfather was killed in a similar massacre in Sicily on Jan 3 1894. The village peasants were petitioning the mayor for basic human rights in the piazza. So the gendarmes were called in to disperse the (unarmed, peaceful) crowd. 17 of his neighbors fell with him that day.

His widow (now associated with malcontents) was able to flee to America with their children. This is my heritage. I hope I do not need to flee. Or maybe it is my place to repeat history and send my wife and son into exile after I am killed for standing up for what is right? To inspire those who come after?