About two weeks after the act of vandalism targeting the monument dedicated to Italy's Paratroopers in Susa, Piedmont, the first results of the restoration work and the mobilization involving the Paratrooper community are emerging.
The Tricolor has once again been raised on the flagpole, the corrosive substance used to deface the monument has been removed, and approximately 90% of the brass components have been restored. Further work will be required on the latter to complete the restoration.
This was confirmed to BrigataFolgore.net by Paratrooper Claudio Vielmi, representative of the Nucleo Paracadutisti ANPd’I Val Susa, who provided an update on the condition of the memorial and the work still to be carried out.
The case containing sand from El Alamein and war relics will be replaced
Among the items damaged during the vandalism was the glass case containing sand from the battlefield of El Alamein and several war relics, tangible testimony to one of the most significant chapters in the history of Italian Paratroopers.
The sand was collected directly at El Alamein by Paratrooper Vincenzo Crippa, President of the ANPd’I Section of Monza, together with Paratrooper Giorgio Manassero, a green beret and one of the founders of the Nucleo Paracadutisti Val Susa, who died in 2021.
A detail that also gives the case important historical and sentimental value: not only because of its connection to Folgore's fighting in the Egyptian desert, but also in remembrance of Manassero and his contribution to the establishment of the Nucleo.
According to Vielmi, the glass case will have to be completely replaced. This is a more complex undertaking than the cleaning and restoration work already completed and will require further work.
The replacement will be carried out as soon as possible, restoring this important commemorative element to the monument as well.
Fundraiser remains open: more than €800 raised
Meanwhile, the spontaneous fundraiser has exceeded €800, promoted by Paratrooper Vincenzo Palumbo, President of the ANPd’I Section of Naples and coordinator of the “Reduci – Battaglia del Pastificio” group.
The initiative, launched in the days following the damage to the memorial, has involved Paratroopers, sympathizers, and supporters who wished to make a practical contribution to restoring the monument.
Donations are continuing and the fundraiser remains open, with the aim of supporting the work still required, particularly the replacement of the case and completion of the restoration of the brass components.
Claudio Vielmi: «Our indigo bond is strong, unbreakable and tangible»
Through BrigataFolgore.net, Claudio Vielmi, trustee of the Nucleo Paracadutisti ANPd’I Val Susa, wished to extend special thanks to the ANPd’I Section of Naples and its President, Vincenzo Palumbo, for the initiative launched in support of the fundraising campaign, extending his gratitude to everyone who contributed and showed support and solidarity following the damage to the monument.
«On behalf of the entire Nucleo Paracadutisti Valsusa, I would like to express our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution.
The cowardly act that struck and damaged our monument saddened us, but the response and solidarity we received from all of you have once again demonstrated how strong, unbreakable and tangible our indigo bond is.
Thanks to your help, we will restore the monument to its original splendor, bearing witness to the fact that the values, memory and brotherhood of paratroopers cannot be undermined by any act of vandalism.
United and always up to the task.
Folgore!»
Par. Claudio Vielmi
Trustee of the Nucleo Paracadutisti ANPd’I Val Susa
How to contribute to the restoration of the monument
The fundraising campaign continues through voluntary donations made directly to the Nucleo Paracadutisti ANPd’I Val Susa.
Account holder: Claudio Vielmi
Recipient: Nucleo Paracadutisti ANPd’I Val Susa
IBAN: IT62H3608105138237912337937
Payment reference: Restoration of the ANPd’I Val Susa monument
The monument, dedicated to Italian paratroopers who fell in war, on missions and on drop zones, represents a place of remembrance for the paratrooper community.
The return of the Tricolore to the flagpole and the recovery of most of the damaged elements mark an important first achievement. The restoration of the brass parts and replacement of the display case containing sand from El Alamein and wartime artifacts still need to be completed—historical items that the Nucleo intends to continue safeguarding.
The fundraising campaign continues, with the aim of completing the restoration of the monument.
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