one day in Italy, 2013...a friend invited me to a ceremony way on top of a mountain in a tiny village called Sommocolonia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sommocolonia

They were having a ceremony for a fallen soldier whose remains had been found in the area (WW2)...He was Brazillian and part of the soldier group, Alpini

https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Alpini_and_Mountain_Artillery_formations_in_World_War_I

there is so much history here that I couldn't possible write it...but, some existing soldiers attended in uniform. The Uniform included a distinctive hat with a big feather.

Anyway, oner of the men in uniform was Scottish, his wife being Italian. He was kind enough to let me take a few portraits if him, close up.  They are wonderful photos. I sent them to the organization to pass on to him...that was more than 10 years ago...

and I got the email last night.

It really touched me. This is the 2nd a portrait of mine was used in this manner.

It makes me want to do a portrait or tow and I think I have a good subject...stay tuned.

How fortunate am I in this life?