On 1 March 2025, the city of Sassari is preparing to pay tribute to the Brigade Sassari on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of its establishment. The celebration will take place in Piazza d'Italia, where an official ceremony will be held for the return of the Sassarini from Lebanon, after six months of deployment as part of the UN Unifil mission. The event will be a moment of great collective participation, with the presence of citizens, national and regional authorities, and the mayors of the area.
A complex mission and international recognition
The Sassari Brigade's stay in Lebanon, which started on 2 August 2023, was characterised by a highly unstable context. On 22 November, four Sardinian soldiers were slightly injured by a missile launch during a clash between Israeli forces and local militias. Despite the difficulties, the Italian contingent acted professionally, maintaining an impartial balance and showing great sensitivity towards the local population.
The General Lázaro, Head of Mission and Commander of Unifil, expressed his deep appreciation for the contribution of the Sassari Brigade: "During these six months, you have faced numerous challenges and risks with unwavering dedication. Thanks to your professionalism and adaptability, the mission has been successful, leaving a lasting impact on peace and stability in south Lebanon".
Also the General Messina (former platoon commander at the Parachute Engineer Company Folgore in Lucca) emphasised the importance of the work done, highlighting the Brigade's role in dealing with direct attacks on UN bases and ensuring compliance with the mandate of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. "Our mission has never been to choose sides, but to be a peacekeeping force serving the stability of Lebanon," he said.
From the trenches of the Great War to the peace mission
La Brigade Sassari has deep roots in Italian military history. Formed on 1 March 1915 in Tempio Pausania and Sinnai, it was composed entirely of Sardinian soldiers, immediately distinguishing itself in the First World War fighting.
During the conflict, the Brigade earned the respect of the entire Army for its valour and spirit of sacrifice. Among the most famous battles were those fought on the Isonzo front and on the Asiago plateau, where it recaptured Monte Fior, Monte Castelgomberto and Casera Zebio, earning the first Gold Medal for Military Valour.
In the tragic retreat of Caporetto, the infantrymen of the Sassari fought with determination all the way to the Piave, becoming a symbol of resistance and cohesion. Later, in the Battle of the 'Tre Monti' in January 1918, the Brigade was the protagonist of a historic victory, receiving its second Gold Medal for Military Valour. The conflict cost the Sassari dearly, which suffered more than 15,000 casualties including killed, wounded and missing.
For the valour demonstrated, the Brigade was retained among the Army's permanent units in 1919, a recognition that consecrated its central role in Italian military history.
An indissoluble link with Sardinia and the future of the Brigade Sassari
Today, the Sassari Brigade continues to represent an excellence of the Italian Armed Forces, keeping alive the link with its homeland and the values that have made it famous. The ceremony on 1 March will not only be an opportunity to honour the Brigade's glorious past, but also a tribute to its men and women, engaged in the difficult task of guaranteeing peace and stability in international theatres of operation.
Their return from Lebanon will be greeted with gratitude and pride, symbolising a legacy that, after 110 years, continues to write pages of history.
Go Paris!!!
