by InTrieste
The somber whistle of a historic train echoed through Trieste Centrale Station on Monday as the Train of Remembrance prepared for its second nationwide journey, retracing the painful exodus of thousands of Istrians, Dalmatians, and Fiumans after World War II. The initiative, launched by the Italian government in 2024, is dedicated to commemorating the victims of the Foibe massacres and the forced displacement that followed, a chapter of history that for decades remained in the shadows.
On the platform, students from schools across the region, including Istituto Tecnico Deledda-Fabiani, gathered to step aboard the train-turned-museum, where a multimedia exhibition brings history to life. The exhibit, open to the public through Tuesday, immerses visitors in firsthand accounts, archival photographs, and documentary footage, ensuring that a new generation understands the tragedies that shaped modern Italy.
“It’s one thing to read about history in books,” said a student from Deledda-Fabiani. “But seeing these images and hearing the voices of people who lived through it makes it real in a way I didn’t expect.”
The Train of Remembrance serves as both a traveling museum and a moving tribute, stopping in cities across the country, including Padua, Bologna, Rome, Naples, Lecce, and Sassari. Each stop offers a chance for local communities to reflect on the events that reshaped Italy’s northeastern border and the enduring legacy of those forced to leave their homes.
Educators and historians stress the importance of initiatives like these, particularly for younger generations who may not be familiar with the full scope of the post-war exodus. “This is not just history; it’s part of who we are,” said a teacher accompanying a group of students. “Remembering these events helps us build a future where such suffering is never repeated.”
The train, a physical reminder of past traumas, is also a symbol of dialogue and reconciliation. As it departs from Trieste, it carries with it the echoes of stories that demand to be heard, ensuring that the lessons of history endure for generations to come.
