Alpini Gather in Riva for 80th Anniversary, Celebrating Unity and Values
The participation of the Alpini at the 6th sectional gathering exceeded even the most optimistic expectations of the organizers, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Gruppo di Riva.
More than three thousand Alpini, arriving from every corner of Trentino, gathered yesterday morning at 9:30 AM after meeting at the parish, and took part in the long parade through the streets of the town center, accompanied by the music of the sectional fanfare, the Valle dei Laghi band, and the Riva band.
A procession composed of “bòci” and “véci” who, side by side, proudly carried the pennants of the dozens of groups attending the gathering. The most solemn moment undoubtedly arrived with the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Fallen, in Piazza San Rocco.
Solemn Moment and Final Parade
Passing through Piazza Catena, the procession was greeted by the pilot boat of the Fraglia della Vela, which, with three blasts of the maritime horn (led by the “naval Alpino” Giancarlo Angelini), paid tribute to the highly decorated sectional banner.
After the ceremony, the line of Alpini hats reached the square of the former station, where a Holy Mass was celebrated.
Following the customary speeches, the festivities continued with an Alpine meal prepared by the tireless Nu.Vol.A.. There, one could feel the desire to be together, to share common experiences, and to stay united around eternal values that, in times of need, turn into commitment, solidarity, and generosity.
Shared Values and International Participation
These qualities have now become recognized worldwide among the Alpini. Yesterday, among the black feathers, alongside volunteers from the Protezione Civile, Red Cross volunteers, and military representatives, there was also a delegation of Austrian Alpenjäger: men who eighty years ago were declared enemies by politics, but who, as reiterated, share the same values.
Thus, the organizational efforts of Giovanni Omezzolli, president of the Gruppo rivano; honorary president Rino Rizzi; and sectional counselor Emilio Visconti were rewarded in the best possible way.
