Bari, the Italian army celebrates 164 years between memory and future Sergio Mattarella: « dedication and commitment from soldiers are a strong point for the Republic »
On the seafront of the Apulian capital the tribute to the fallen and the parade of the special departments. The chief of staff Carmine Masiello: « Choice of life, not a job ». Premier Meloni: « A thought moved to those who lost their lives wearing uniform: their example lives in our memory »
The first went down from the sky, planning slowly on the seafront. He wore the tricolor. Then came the second, with the army flag. The fanfare in the background, the wind that cuts the face, the fixed gaze of the departed departments. The 164 years of the Italian army are celebrated in Bari. Since 1861 it has changed a thousand times. But his task has never changed: being there, where he serves. Always. It is a ceremony in his style: sober, disciplined, silent. Behind, the sea. In front, the families standing, motionless. It all starts soon. The first thing that happens is also the most important: a laurel wreath at the Sacrario dei Caduti d’Oltremare. For those who gave everything.
The ceremony
Then the ceremony continues. A training brigade crosses the promenade. Historical uniforms alongside elite departments. Sophisticated technologies, complex training. They operate in « multidominum » environments, they call them like this: high intensity scenarios, electronic war, hybrid threats. New terms for an ancient profession: protect. General Luciano Portolano, chief of staff of the defense, says it without turns of words: «Safety does not inherit. It conquers every day. And the memory of the army is the memory of courage and sacrifice « . The general of the Army Corps Carmine Masiellochief of staff of the army, speaks as he has always done: as a soldier between soldiers. «Our mission is anchored to the duty to think how to defend and protect the values of freedom, justice and democracy, in full continuity with our history and in implementation of the key principles of our Constitution». Then he adds: «It is one of you who speaks to you, as a soldier between soldiers, as I have always spoken to my men in 44 years of military life. As a soldier between soldiers. It is not a job. It is a choice. Freedom, justice, democracy: these are our weapons. I have been talking like this for 44 years. And I will continue to do it ». Then it is the turn of the delivery of the honors: often pinned on the chest of men who have carried out heroic actions that do not end up on the front pages of the newspapers. International missions, complex operations, emergencies.
The messages
From the Quirinale the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, writes in a message: « The dedication, the commitment made by the women and men of the army in the international context so full of instability and threats, represent a strong point for the Republic ». Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister, adds: «A thought moved to those who have lost their lives wearing the uniform: their example lives in the memory of all of us. Thanks to each of you ». Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defense, breaks the applause with a ironing: «Today everyone for the army to enhance its value,
values, importance and role. As well as for all other armed forces,
Marina, Aeronautica, Carabinieri, on the day of the anniversary of theirs
foundation. Then, the next day, all against the increase in the expenses of the
Defense, which are the expenses that are used to put the armed forces in the
conditions to carry out their work, to guarantee the safety of the
democracy, free institutions and every citizen. A little too easy,
Like this. A little consistency would not hurt ».
The village
Not far away, in Piazza della Libertà, the « army village » is filled. Children try flight simulators, climbing, drones, quadruped robots, armored means. Touch, understand, ask. They discover that the work of a soldier is first effort. Then discipline. Then chosen. Nobody here speaks of war. Everyone speaks of service. Training. To be there.
