by EH
Trieste observed its “Day of Liberation from Yugoslav Occupation” in a ceremony held at the City Council Chamber this morning. The event, organized by the City Administration, commemorates the end of a 40-day period of occupation by Tito’s communist forces in 1945, following a resolution passed in 2020 designating June 12th as a day of remembrance for the city.
City Council President Francesco Di Paola Panteca addressed assembled dignitaries and representatives from various patriotic and military associations, emphasizing the historical significance of June 12, 1945. He recalled the hardships endured during the occupation and celebrated the city’s eventual return to freedom.
Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel, speaking on behalf of Mayor Roberto Dipiazza, reiterated the importance of the day in remembering the events of 1945. Tonel provided context for the occupation, highlighting Trieste’s strategic significance in the geopolitical landscape of the late Second World War.
She recounted the occupation’s impact on the city, including widespread arrests and deportations, and acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the Guardia di Finanza. Tonel emphasized the role of Trieste’s resistance in ultimately securing the city’s liberation and the subsequent negotiations that divided Venezia Giulia between Allied and Yugoslav forces.
Since 2020, June 12th has been commemorated with a solemn ceremony, reflecting ongoing efforts to preserve historical truth. Tonel noted the increasing institutional participation in these commemorations and highlighted the inauguration of a monument in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of Trieste’s liberation.
Today’s ceremony serves as a tribute to the past and a reminder of the enduring values of freedom and democracy. It underscores the importance of preserving historical memory for future generations, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform and guide us.
