by MK
Photographs: Erin McKinney
In a solemn ceremony this morning, February 10th, the annual Day of Remembrance was observed at the Basovizza Foiba, a National Monument located in the Triestine Karst. The event, organized by the Municipality of Trieste and the Committee for the Martyrs of the Foibe, marked the centerpiece of a comprehensive program of commemorative, cultural, and historical events.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni played a prominent role today, leading a solemn commemoration at the Basovizza Foiba, a revered National Monument in the Triestine Karst. The event, marking the annual Day of Remembrance, drew dignitaries from across Italy, including Mayor Roberto Dipiazza and regional leaders.
Among the notable figures in attendance were Mayor Roberto Dipiazza, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano, Minister of Education Giuseppe Valditara, Minister of Sports Andrea Abodi, Minister for Relations with Parliament Luca Ciriani, Governor of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region Massimiliano Fedriga, Prefect of Trieste Pietro Signoriello, President of the Piedmont Region Alberto Cirio, and Vicar General of the Diocese of Trieste Monsignor Trevisini. The gathering also included other esteemed political, military, and religious dignitaries from the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region.
The Day of Remembrance, observed every February 10th, pays tribute to the victims of the Foibe massacres and the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus, serving as a somber reminder of one of the darkest chapters in Italy’s history.
Amidst the backdrop of the Basovizza Foiba, a symbol of national remembrance, Prime Minister Meloni delivered a heartfelt address, vowing to ensure that the sacrifices of the fallen are never forgotten. She emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of past injustices, stating, “We must honor the victims by ensuring that their stories are passed down to future generations.”
The ceremony, marked by wreath-laying and prayers, offered a moment of reflection for attendees, including students from local schools. It underscored the collective commitment to honoring the memory of those who perished in the Foibe massacres and the ensuing exodus.
Prime Minister Meloni’s presence and poignant words resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing her dedication to upholding the values of remembrance and reconciliation. Her pledge to preserve the memory of the fallen through initiatives like the Train of Remembrance reflects a broader commitment to confronting Italy’s past and ensuring a brighter future for all.
The commemorative speeches delivered by Paolo Sardos Albertini, Mayor Roberto Dipiazza, President Massimiliano Fedriga, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni echoed with themes of remembrance, reconciliation, and the enduring quest for justice.
Mayor Roberto Dipiazza, in his impassioned address, emphasized the importance of confronting the painful truths of history, condemning the atrocities committed during the period of Tito’s rule and underscoring the obligation to honor the memory of the victims.
The ceremony concluded with a poignant wreath-laying at the Monrupino Foiba, followed by the inauguration of the “Train of Remembrance 2024” at Platform 1 of Trieste Central Station. Spearheaded by the Minister for Sport and Youth, this initiative seeks to commemorate the victims of the Foibe massacres and the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus through a poignant journey of remembrance and reflection.
The Train of Remembrance, housed within a historic railway carriage generously provided by the Italian State Railways Foundation, will traverse the country, offering a multimedia exhibition and showcasing artifacts from the exiles, providing a tangible link to the past for present and future generations alike.
