Aside from being the name of an iconic New York baseball team, on the world stage the term “Yankee” applies to all Americans.  Although the origin of the word is disputed, it remains widely acknowledged as a term that relates to northerners, specifically northeasterners in the United States.  Yankees have a reputation for being independent, intrepid and bold…..like the first settlers in New England.

Yankees in Italy on Memorial Day 2016

Even though we have lived in Italy for the past thirteen years, we know in our hearts we are Connecticut Yankees…..and never does that feeling emerge more strongly than on a national holiday such as today, Memorial Day.  It’s a day set aside in the USA to remember and honor all who have served in the military, past and present.  We are a small family but even so we count many military members among us…….our fathers, our brothers, our cousins, our sons-in-law, not to mention Russ himself who went off to Korea in the 1960s.

The day is traditionally spent together with family, outside, usually cooking hot dogs and hamburgers and marking the beginning of the summer season.  It’s comfort food to yankees…..and although we have to really search to find some of the fixings, we always try to put a picnic together here in Florence to the amusement of our friends.

Memorial Day Lunch for Two Yankees in Italy                                                                

The hot dogs are wurstel from Germany, the mustard is from France, the relish is made from various types of local pickles that have been finely chopped, but hang on…..good old Heinz to the rescue by way of providing ketchup and a can of baked beans!

Happy Memorial Day and heartfelt thanks to all Vets and current Service members.