While the new Monument to the Italian Fallen was being unveiled at the Abruzzo Association Club in Brisbane, at the Casa D’Abruzzo Club in Epping, the prestigious home of the Victorian and Tasmanian chapters of the group, a solemn moment of remembrance, solidarity and gratitude took place on Sunday, November 19.
The National Alpine Association of Epping gathered in front of the iconic Alpine Monument located at the entrance of the Casa D’Abruzzo Club, to honour the “severed fins of all who in duty have sacrificed themselves for their country,” as the memorial plaque resting on the solemnly monument reads.
There was an atmosphere of real community as friends of the association, club members, representatives of ANSI Australia and people who have lost loved ones as a result of war huddled together.
ANA Melbourne group leader Giovanni Traglia, in uniform and accompanied by other members of the Epping Group, laid a beautiful floral wreath at the foot of the Monument in order to renew and honour the memory of comrades and compatriots who fought and sacrificed their lives for Italy.
The special and emotional moment was accompanied by the recitation of the Alpini prayer and culminated in a minute’s silence. Afterwards, those present were able to dedicate a more intimate and personal tribute to those they lost.
At the end of the ceremony, Felice De Lucia, representative of the National Association of Italian Non-Commissioned Officers, recalled how moments such as these are important to honour one’s history and origins.
He claimed that even if one now lives on the other side of the world, “Memory has no borders.”
De Lucia then wished to renew his thanks to the head of the National Alpine Association in Epping for the great support, cooperation and hospitality given last October 7 during the event A Rose for Norma Cossetto, an important initiative aimed at remembering the horror of the foibe massacres, and women victims of violence.
