Treviso, certificate awarded to San Marco Lion Fortunato Zuliani, 103: fought with the 2nd Battalion “Grado” during the War of Liberation

In Treviso, Petty Officer Fortunato Zuliani, 103, received the Attestato di Benemerenza al Valor Militare. The ceremony was held on 7 October 2026 at the Army Officers' Club.

Representatives of the Armed Forces, veterans' associations and the local military community attended the event. The award recognizes Zuliani's participation in the Guerra di Liberazione.

More than eighty years ago, Zuliani served with the 2° Battaglione “Grado” of the Reggimento “San Marco”. His experience provides firsthand testimony of the service performed by the Marò during that period of national history.

Institutions represented at the ceremony

The certificate was presented in the presence of the national president of ANCFARGL (Associazione Nazionale Combattenti della Guerra di Liberazione inquadrati nei Reparti Regolari delle Forze Armate), Lieutenant General Enrico Pino, and the commander of the 1° Reggimento of the Brigata Marina San Marco, Captain Ferruccio Ferreli.

Representatives of the Associations of the Lions of San Marco and the Navy were also present. Council members and members of the ANCFARGL di Treviso Section also attended.

ANCFARGL is the Associazione Nazionale Combattenti della Guerra di Liberazione inquadrati nei Reparti Regolari delle Forze Armate. The institutions and associations in attendance help preserve the memory of those units.

Remarks by Lieutenant General Enrico Pino and Captain Ferruccio Ferreli recalled the bond between the Reggimento, its men and the traditions developed over time.

Zuliani recounts his experience

During the ceremony, Petty Officer Zuliani recalled several episodes from his service. He also answered the many questions put to him by those in attendance.

His account drew attention back to the men who served in the units during the Guerra di Liberazione: young servicemen called upon to make difficult choices during a dramatic period for the country.

Zuliani's testimony directly connects events, dates and military units with the personal experiences of those who took part in them. His memories thus retain a tangible dimension beyond historical reconstruction alone.

The recognition awarded to the petty officer also serves as an expression of thanks, through his example, to all those who served in the Armed Forces during that period.

A bond between generations

Zuliani's presence symbolically brought together the Marò of the Battaglione “Grado” and today's Fucilieri di Marina. The Winged Lion remains the symbol of this continuity between men and traditions.

At 103 years old, Zuliani continues to help preserve memory through his voice and recollections. His experience enables a firsthand story to be passed on to new generations.

The ceremony in Treviso therefore recognized both the junior petty officer’s individual journey and the service rendered by the generation to which he belongs. A legacy tied to the War of Liberation and the history of the Reggimento “San Marco”.