Red Cross Day Celebrations in Castiglione and Solferino Highlighting Humanitarian Legacy

The International Red Cross Day concluded with a series of events and appointments of great significance, with Castiglione and Solferino serving as the main venues yesterday.

Morning Moments and the Ceremony in Castiglione

Thoughtful speeches and perspectives for the future in the morning in Castiglione;

dedication of the elementary school and a visit to the Memorial at noon in Solferino: these were the two main themes of the day.

The second part of the celebration of the World Red Cross Day began in the municipality of Castiglione delle Stiviere, where a video dedicated to Red Cross operations around the world was shown.

Welcoming the authorities present was the mayor of Castiglione, Guido Stuani, who then handed over to the Mantuan president Tarchini and to the mayors of Solferino Luigi Lonardi and of Castiglione Arturo Sigurtà.

Speeches and Celebrations in Solferino

Then it was the turn of another distinguished guest, Prefect Gianni Ietto, who preceded the national President of the Red Cross, Maria Pia Garavaglia, who reflected on the meaning of the Red Cross motto of these years: the power of humanity and the strength of volunteers.

After the presentation of the translation of J.H. Dunant’s Memories and the awarding of a gold medal, the authorities moved to Solferino.

In the town, the site of the battle that inspired Dunant’s idea of the Red Cross, Mayor Lonardi, his council, and all other officials visited the elementary school.

There, the president of the historical Solferino delegation, Persichella, presented a booklet created in collaboration with the school children.

All of this took place before the highlight moment: the dedication of the Solferino elementary school to the Geneva-based H. Dunant. The mayor unveiled the plaque placed at the school in front of 150 volunteers, children, teachers, and all the authorities.

This gesture was strongly supported by Solferino to highlight even more the figure of Dunant and the importance of Solferino in the history of the Red Cross.

Visits and Closing of the Day

Before lunch, Maria Pia Garavaglia led the World Red Cross delegation on a visit to the Solferino Memorial: “Only here,” she said, “could we carry out this passage.”

It must be said, truthfully, that the events held yesterday seemed to have temporarily eased the famous rivalry between Castiglione and Solferino regarding the Red Cross.

In this regard, an important contribution was given by Maria Pia Garavaglia herself, who emphasized the importance of both locations — Castiglione for the Museum and the work of volunteers, and Solferino mainly for its historical significance and fame.