Solferino Commemoration Honors 141 Years Since the Battle of Independence

The hilltop center commemorated yesterday the 141st anniversary of the Battle of the Second Italian War of Independence. Civil, religious, and military authorities gathered in front of the town hall at 10 a.m. for the flag-raising ceremony.

Participants and Ceremony

Among the authorities present were the President of the Solferino and San Martino Society Fondrieschi, the Vice Prefect Milito, and the Chief of Police Sofia. There were also representatives from many municipal administrations, including: Mayor Sigurtà of Castiglione with assessors Beruffi and Bertoli, Maccari of Guidizzolo, Ruzzenenti of Medole, Bertaiola of Volta, Righetti of Cavriana, mayors of Peschiera and Magenta, and Vice Mayor Gatti of Curtatone.

After the flag-raising, the procession reached the Ossuary for the laying of a wreath at the war memorial and for the commemoration of the fallen. Following the Mass and the homily by Monsignor Gibelli, it was the turn of civil authorities to speak, recalling the solemnity of the anniversary of June 14.

Speeches and Reflections

The series of speeches was opened by the President of the Solferino and San Martino Society (the charitable organization that preserves the buildings and sites representing the memory of the battle) Fausto Fondrieschi, who welcomed all attendees. Mr. Fondrieschi spoke about the importance of remembering past events and history for everyday life.

Following him, the French Consul and the Hungarian Consul spoke, representing two of the nations that sent armies to fight at Solferino and who remember many fallen soldiers on that battlefield.

An “authoritative” remembrance of the battle was delivered by Professor Papa, a history professor at the University of Torino. The commemoration concluded with remarks from Solferino Mayor Luigi Lonardi, who emphasized the “European” significance of remembering the Battle of Solferino and the brotherhood among nations.