An episode destined to spark debate recently shook a scientific high school in Lombardy, where some teachers reportedly expressed reservations about the visit of the Associazione Nazionale Bersaglieri, believing that the values represented by the Corps were “distant from those of the school.” A judgment that immediately sparked institutional reactions, directly involving the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense.
During the traditional June 2 parade on the Fori Imperiali, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the episode “frankly unacceptable”:
“I consider it frankly unacceptable that teachers in schools tell us that the Bersaglieri are divisive. It is also thanks to the Bersaglieri that we have a nation today.”
The Prime Minister thus wanted to emphasize the central role that the Bersaglieri have played in the history of united Italy, and the importance of passing on to new generations the respect for those who contributed to building the Republic.
The condemnation of Minister Crosetto and the call to constitutional values
The Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, also intervened on the matter, expressing “full solidarity and closeness” to the Associazione Bersaglieri, recalling the deep historical bond between the Corps and the city of Magenta, liberated on June 4, 1859, in the famous battle led by General Fanti.
Crosetto described the incident as “an isolated case of ideological prejudice and a desire to suppress democratic debate,” recalling that the Bersaglieri are bearers of “constitutional values and principles such as freedom, equality, and democracy.”
The disappointment of the Associazione Nazionale Bersaglieri
General Giuseppenicola Tota, president of the Associazione Nazionale Bersaglieri, also commented on the incident with bitterness:
“A very sad thing, what a bitterness. We had never experienced anything like this.”
Tota explained that the teachers' opposition was learned from a local newspaper and not communicated directly. He then highlighted how, in general, the association receives many positive responses from schools all over Italy, where the visits of the Bersaglieri are opportunities to convey values of family, generosity, and spirit of sacrifice.
“Our values are those of family, generosity, and spirit of sacrifice: we are the first to help people in case of natural disasters.”
A historic Corps at the service of Italy
The Bersaglieri, known for their unmistakable run and the traditional plume on their hats, represent one of the most recognizable symbols of the Italian Army. From the historic breach of Porta Pia to modern missions in Italy and abroad, the Corps continues to stand out for professionalism, rapid intervention, and sense of duty.
Today, the Bersaglieri are not only historical memory but an active component of national defense, employed in peace missions, internal security operations, and interventions in civil emergencies.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!