LIVORNO – On the night between November 6 and 7, the Banditella monument was vandalized which commemorates the Fallen of Meloria. Just hours before the commemorations on Thursday, November 6, the laurel wreath laid during the ceremony was destroyed by unknown individuals, an act that outrages the memory of the fallen and wounds the entire city community.
The incident at the place of memory
According to reports, unknown individuals damaged the wreath and part of the tributes placed at the foot of the monument. A deliberate and vile act, carried out at night, that strikes a symbolic place of collective memory and sacrifice.
The monument is located on via Dino Provenzal, in Banditella, and was erected on the initiative of Marshal Paratrooper Paolo Frediani (who passed away in 2019). Over the years, it has become a point of reference for those, in Livorno and beyond, who preserve the history and values linked to the tragedy of Meloria and the paratrooper community.
Reactions and the initiative of Gioventù Nazionale Livorno
Indignation and bitterness among the citizens, among retired and active paratroopers, and among those who participate in the commemorations every year. Profaning a memory does not only mean striking a symbol, but wounding the respect owed to the Fallen and to those who continue to honor them with discretion and continuity.
Harsh words from Honorable Paola Chiesa, deputy and Leader of Fratelli d’Italia in the Defense Commission at the Chamber:
“I express my strongest condemnation for the vile act committed against the laurel wreath placed at the Monument to the Fallen of the Meloria tragedy. The destruction of that symbol, which occurred last night, is not only an act of incivility but an outrage to the memory of the 46 paratroopers of the 6th Company ‘Grifi’ of the 187th Paratrooper Regiment ‘Folgore’ and the 6 aviators of the Royal Air Force who lost their lives in the tragic accident of November 9, 1971. It is an act that once again wounds the families, the military community, and all those who recognize the value of those who served Italy with honor. On Saturday, November 8, the young people of Gioventù Nazionale Livorno with the City Councilor of Fratelli d’Italia Alessandro Palumbo will lay a new laurel wreath that I felt obliged to honor, to reaffirm with dignity and respect the memory of the Fallen. A memory that must be defended firmly, without hesitation.”
An act, that of the young people of Gioventù Nazionale Livorno, which intends to reiterate the rejection of all violence and vandalism and reaffirm the centrality of memory as a common heritage.
Appeal to the city
In the face of episodes like this, the strongest response is participation: taking care of places of memory, watching over their respect and passing on to the younger generations the true meaning of remembering the Fallen.
Livorno has a long tradition of civility and solidarity: bringing it to life today means defending the symbols that keep the community united.
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