I have vivid memories of my early days when I would accompany my grandfather on walks through the woods. This was a time when he imparted valuable life lessons and taught me what it meant to be a man. Those moments feel like they happened just yesterday, as if time hasn’t touched those cherished memories. As we roamed the woods together, my grandfather not only taught me how to hunt and fish, but he also instilled in me principles such as hard work, honor, integrity, and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.
Among all the stories he shared, the ones that truly captivated me were about his experiences surviving World War II in Italy and his subsequent journey to America for a fresh start. In his heavy Italian accent, he recounted how the Nazis would invade their homes, ransack their belongings, and subject the townspeople to constant shelling and machine gunfire. The pain in his eyes was evident as he described witnessing his friends being executed by the Nazis for their alleged collaboration with the resistance. My grandfather, a symbol of strength and resilience, exemplified the spirit of the greatest generation.
In the early sixties, my family decided to start a new life in America. My father was just four years old at the time. My grandfather and father made the move after the untimely death of my grandmother, seeking a better future in a foreign land. In Italy, my grandfather held a supervisory role at an irrigation company, a position that provided him with stability and success. However, he made the difficult decision to leave it all behind in order to secure a brighter future for his son and the generations to come. Arriving in a country where he didn’t speak the language, he began working as a mason, tirelessly toiling day and night to support his family. His dream was to ensure that his offspring could avail themselves of the boundless opportunities afforded by the American dream.
Despite the hardships and prejudices he encountered as an immigrant, my grandfather never blamed America. He nurtured a relentless work ethic, refusing any form of handout, and proudly proclaimed America to be the greatest nation on Earth. When I shared with him my decision to join the Marines and serve my country, it was one of the proudest moments of his life. Having served in the Italian army himself, he was elated that I, as a first-generation American, would be the first in our family to serve in the United States. We would spend hours discussing my anticipation of his presence at my graduation, where I would don the sacred eagle, globe, and anchor. Tragically, fate had other plans, as he passed away a few months before my deployment to boot camp. The devastation I felt then still lingers today, even after twenty-five years have passed. The memory of my grandfather’s unwavering support acts as a constant reminder of his strength and the values he passed on to me.
Life, as my grandfather taught me, is filled with ups and downs. It is how we navigate these challenges that defines us. I channeled my sorrow into determination, focusing on training with unwavering dedication. Eventually, I graduated as the company honor graduate, and on that sun-kissed day at Parris Island, I couldn’t help but feel my grandfather’s presence, smiling down on me.
As I write this letter, I find myself in a situation I never could have anticipated. The beacon of freedom that is America, the nation my grandfather fought to liberate from fascist oppression, now finds itself under attack from the very tactics he risked his life to overcome during World War II. For the past 32 months, I have been unlawfully detained, facing trumped-up charges for protesting against the theft of an election by a corrupt establishment. Most of my time has been spent in solitary confinement, with no access to legal representation, medical care, or contact with my family. The FBI even resorted to threatening me, warning that if I didn’t cooperate, they would seek a terrorist enhancement that carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years. Shockingly, their threat materialized on August 18, 2023, leading to my sentencing. Incredibly, I face a potential two-decade prison term for what amounts, at best, to misdemeanor trespassing. Meanwhile, individuals affiliated with Antifa and BLM, involved in serious crimes, see their charges dismissed or significantly reduced. It is both disheartening and disgusting to witness left-wing terrorists being hailed by traitorous Democrats while I, a father, partner, veteran, and business owner with an unblemished record, am labeled a terrorist.
My trial was nothing short of a sham, a Democratic tribunal held in the most corrupt city in America. Corrupted judges, biased prosecutors, and a jury comprising Democratic voters, donors, and individuals tied to the swamp ensured that a fair trial in D.C. was an impossibility. The odds of being struck by lightning twice while holding a winning Mega Millions lotto ticket were better than obtaining justice in that courtroom. To be labeled a terrorist by an illegitimate government after dedicating my life to serving my country and contributing to society is a level of disgust I struggle to put into words.
I pen this letter not just for my family, whom I love dearly, but also for all of America. It is crucial to remember the human aspect of a political prisoner, amidst the chaos imposed upon us by the forces of evil. To my family, I cannot express enough how deeply sorry I am that you must endure the pain and sadness of having a loved one torn away from you during this turbulent period in our nation’s history. You are aware that I could end this nightmare by succumbing to the dark side, collaborating with the authorities, testifying against others, and renouncing my beliefs. However, please understand that such an option is unthinkable for me. To do so would dishonor the memory of my beloved grandfather and everything he taught me. Mentally, physically, and psychologically, I am incapable of betraying those cherished principles. I would rather face a firing squad than align myself with evil. Despite the ongoing challenges we face, I genuinely believe that our nation’s brightest days lie ahead, and I have faith that good will eventually triumph over evil. However, if I’m mistaken, and if freedom eludes me forever, I want you all to know my true feelings.
To my brother, our relationship hasn’t always been easy, and we’ve had our fair share of fights. Nevertheless, I am incredibly proud of the man and father you have become. I know that being a single dad brings its own challenges, but you’ve risen above them all. Whenever things get tough, just think back to our childhood and let the memories put everything into perspective. Give your daughter a warm hug from me, and guide your son on the path of righteousness, for he is the torchbearer of our family’s legacy. I regret not being a better older brother, but I hope that observing my unwavering strength in the face of adversity brings you a sense of pride.
Dad, you were the epitome of hard work, and I proudly inherited your work ethic. Your tireless dedication as a provider shines through, and none of us can imagine a day without you. It pains me that we lost touch for a few years, but if any silver lining can be gleaned from this ordeal, it is that we have finally reconnected and spoken to each other again. I love you, Dad.
Mom, words cannot express how amazing you are. You have managed to keep my spirits up every day, updating me on the state of affairs outside these prison walls and constantly reminding me that we have not been forgotten. Please know that every message you send me, every word of encouragement, fuels my will to fight. I love you, Mom.
To all those who read this letter, please remember the human behind the political prisoner label. It is essential to understand the impact this injustice has on families and individuals. Let us embrace compassion and empathy in the face of chaos and evil. Together, we can overcome and ensure that the beacon of freedom America represents continues to shine brightly. ** Please support Dominic Pezzola by following the appropriate channels. This is not just about my personal struggles but about the values we hold dear as a nation.
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