Bardolino Celebrates Naval Memorial and Fountain Dedication Ceremony
Anticipation surrounds the floating fountain. It will be officially “blessed” today at 6 p.m. on the water body in front of Riva Cornicello, just a few meters from the historic Villa Carrara Bottagisio. The sailors’ fountain was commissioned by the local association dedicated to Sante Alberti, a naval mechanic and engine operator who served on the submarine Topazio during the Second World War, which never returned to base after a combat mission in September 1943.
The fountain, designed by architect Fornari, will be illuminated with tricolor light beams and will serve as a memorial to all sailors, especially those from Bardolino, who sacrificed their lives for the good of the Homeland.
Celebrations and Opening Ceremonies
The inauguration coincides with the interregional gathering happening today and tomorrow, as well as the tenth anniversary of the “launching” of the memorial to the sailors, which stands proudly on Lungolago Mirabello, beside the headquarters of Canottieri.
Two days of festivities will begin this afternoon with the arrival of authorities from various groups across Italy at 4 p.m., and a greeting from Mayor Armando Ferrari at the municipal offices at 5 p.m.
Subsequently, there will be a blessing of the fountain in the presence of Rear Admiral Elio Bolongaro, Commander-in-Chief of the Maritime Military Department for the Adriatic, and Vice Admiral Silverio Titta, national president of the Associazione Marinai d’Italia (ANMI).
Commemorative and Cultural Events
A representation of approximately 110 cadets who entered the Livorno Naval Academy in 1950 will also be present. They later became “oceanic” after completing the first Atlantic sailing aboard the training ship Amerigo Vespucci, captained then by Admiral Calamari, the brother of the commander of the Andrea Doria, which sank after a collision with the Stockholm.
From that course, led by Commander Ravaligo, 38 admirals, senior officers, and naval engineers have graduated.
The day will conclude at 9 p.m. with a polyphonic concert by the Bardolino Philharmonic at the parish church.
Program for Tomorrow
Tomorrow at 10 a.m., groups of former sailors from Sardinia, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Liguria will gather at Riva Cornicello, followed by a parade to the sailor memorial, where the flag will be raised.
At sea, offshore from the motor sailer San Nicolò, a wreath will be laid in memory of the fallen.