Artillerymen’s Festival Honors Italy’s Unity at San Martino della Battaglia

The Artillerymen’s Festival and Commemoration

The Artillerymen’s Festival of the San Martino della Battaglia section. On a splendid sunny day, at the foot of the San Martino hill where 141 years ago, after a bloody battle, a cornerstone was laid for Italy’s unity, numerous members of the artillery corps, coming from Bergamo and Cremona as well, gathered to remember those who died to help the living. This was the essence of the speech by the mayor of Desenzano del Garda, Cino Anelli.

The procession of attendees, coordinated by Franco Olivetti, laid a wreath at the monument to the Alpini, with banners of the local Artillery association and the regional representation leading the way. Then came the large tricolor flag, held by 12 alpini from Desenzano del Garda.

With the president of the San Martino artillery section, Luigi Turcato, who has led for 23 years, were the mayor of Desenzano with the assessors Guaragna, Venieri, Farinelli, and the councilor Ezio Breda, representing San Martino della Battaglia and who played a significant role in the inauguration of the monument. Also present was Francesca Montereal, police commissioner of Desenzano. Godmother Barbara Breda, daughter of Councilor Ezio. Followed by the Salò alpine fanfare, banners of other sections, and many artillerymen.

Laying of wreaths and religious ceremony

After laying a wreath at the Alpini monument, the procession placed a second wreath at the War Memorial. Then, the mass was celebrated by Don Giovanni, parish priest of San Martino, animated by the choir of San Martino; with organ by Barbara Turcato, daughter of the president of the San Martino section.

After the mass, the procession returned to Piazzale Miriam, where the monument was installed—a triangular column with the artillery emblems and the inauguration date inscribed on the side, next to a large stone slab engraved with the classic flame that “beats in the chests of us artillerymen,” as recalled by President Luigi Turcato in his greeting to participants, following the blessing of the monument.

Brief words were also spoken by the regional delegate, Lorenzo Vezza, and the mayor, Cino Anelli, who reminded everyone that the two stones of the monument are not lifeless stones but commemorate those who fell for the homeland, and should serve as a moment of unity and friendship.

Anelli concluded by saying: “We must continue to love Italy, which we should never be ashamed to call our homeland.” A parchment was delivered to artilleryman Vincenzo Marchini. Applause for Celeste Zanella, the only founder of the section still alive, since 1957.

Thanks to Franco Olivetti, who coordinated the entire ceremony, and to the announcer Giancarlo Biscuola, who led the event. Then everyone enjoyed the delicacies prepared by Grandma Rita.