by InTrieste
In a poignant tribute to history, Trieste marked the 79th anniversary of Liberation at the Risiera di San Sabba on Thursday, April 25th. The event, attended by a multitude of civil, military, and religious dignitaries alongside a significant turnout of citizens, underscored the enduring significance of this site in the collective memory of Italy’s struggle against fascism.
Once a prison camp under Nazi occupation from October 1943 to April 1945, the Risiera di San Sabba stands as a solemn testament to the resilience of the human spirit during one of the darkest chapters in European history. Its importance as a symbol of Liberation was reaffirmed by a recent state law (L. 205/2017), aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural and historical heritage of anti-fascist resistance.
Against the backdrop of Trieste’s city flags, along with those of Muggia, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Duino Aurisina, and San Dorligo della Valle/Dolina, representatives from various groups and associations gathered to pay homage. The presence of the Jewish Brigade’s flag, which played a pivotal role in Italy’s liberation as part of the Eighth Army of the British Army, added a poignant touch to the proceedings.
A solemn ceremony unfolded, featuring the laying of laurel wreaths jointly by the Prefecture of Trieste, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, and the Municipality of Trieste, as well as by several other municipalities. Floral tributes were also laid in remembrance of the sacrifices made during the struggle for freedom.
Speakers from the Municipality of Trieste, the Municipality of San Dorligo della Valle, the National Association of Italian Partisans, and representatives from various unions delivered impassioned addresses, reflecting on the significance of Liberation and the enduring lessons it holds for future generations.
Religious rites, including Catholic, Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, and Protestant ceremonies, were conducted to honor the diverse spiritual traditions of those who fought for freedom.
The commemorative events, meticulously organized by the Municipality of Trieste in collaboration with neighboring municipalities and cultural institutions, served as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving historical memory in the ongoing quest for justice and peace.
As the sun set over the Risiera di San Sabba, casting a solemn glow over the gathered assembly, it was a moment of reflection, remembrance, and recommitment to the values of freedom and democracy for which so many sacrificed their lives.
