by InTrieste
The historic city of Trieste is abuzz with patriotic fervor as it hosts the 36th National Gathering of Italy’s Infantry. The celebrations began with a ceremonial arrival of the Tricolor from the sea and its ascent to the Colle di San Giusto, marking the commencement of a series of solemn and festive events that will run through the weekend.
On Friday morning, the Tricolor was escorted by sailors from the National Association of Italian Sailors, disembarking from a Coast Guard vessel at Molo Audace. The procession, joined by a relay of Bersaglieri from the National Association of Bersaglieri of Trieste, proceeded to the Municipal Palace and then to the Colle di San Giusto. Here, the flag was handed over to representatives of the 82nd Infantry Regiment “Torino” of the Rome Capital Section.
Ceremonies at the Colle di San Giusto included the permanent display of the Tricolor from the Cathedral’s bell tower, the laying of a wreath at the Monument to the Fallen of Trieste, and another at the Third Army Altar.
In the afternoon, the commemoration extended beyond the city, with stops at significant historical sites, including the tomb of Duke of Aosta at the Redipuglia Shrine and the “Ai lupi di Toscana” monument in San Giovanni di Duino. The day will conclude with a return to Trieste, where a wreath will be laid at the Vedetta Alice Memorial in Banne, honoring three soldiers of the 1st BTG “San Giusto” who died in a training accident in 1986.
Saturday’s events will see the gathering in full swing. The day begins with a wreath-laying and flag-raising at the National Monument of the Basovizza Foiba, followed by the official opening of the gathering at 10 AM in the City Council Hall of Trieste. Local authorities will be greeted, and the National Medal of the National Infantry Association will be presented. Colonel Massimiliano Spucches will introduce the 66th Airmobile Infantry Regiment “Trieste,” which will be awarded the Thirteenth-Century Seal of the City of Trieste.
The afternoon includes a Holy Mass at the Church of Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo and a wreath-laying at the National Monument of the Risiera di San Sabba. A conference titled “Patrols to the East,” analyzing the Cold War defensive systems on the eastern border and the Trieste Karst, will be held at the Sartorio Museum.
The evening promises musical performances by bands and fanfares from the National Infantry Association in various city squares, although inclement weather may necessitate cancellations.
The grand finale on Sunday will begin with the assembly of the Infantry Association’s sections in Piazza Unità d’Italia at 7:30 AM, followed by a flag-raising at 9 AM. The ceremony will feature speeches by dignitaries, the awarding of the Thirteenth-Century Seal to the 66th Airmobile Infantry Regiment “Trieste,” and a parade along the Trieste shores. The event will culminate with the passing of the Gathering Flag to the Palermo Section and a flag-lowering ceremony at 6 PM, marking the official closure of the gathering.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore an exhibition at the Municipal Art Hall showcasing the history of the Infantry, with images, relics, and artifacts from the Great War and the Cold War period in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The exhibition, curated by the National Infantry Association’s Trieste Provincial Section, is open from 10 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM.
As Trieste honors its rich military heritage, the 36th National Gathering of Italy’s Infantry stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and pride of Italy’s armed forces.
