Even Giorgio Napolitano, as head of state, went to the Military Shrine of El Alamein in 2008 to pay homage to the Italian victims of the battle. He was accompanied by the then Minister of Defense, now President of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa, who the day before yesterday posted a comment on value and sacrifice, a chapter as heroic as it is tragic in our history. We honor the brave Italian soldiers who fought in the sands of North Africa. With them we remember with deference all the fallen who sacrificed their lives for our freedom”. In this climate of perennial opposition, the opposition has climbed onto the barricades for the institutional message.
The story is known, but today not everyone knows it. Just as few know of the existence of the shrine that honors the Italians who died in El Alamein. Deaths for the country. And for this reason they should not be forgotten. Their value must be honored, because it is greater than ideologies pic.twitter.com/AoR8n9m0I5
— Daniela Santanchè (@DSantanche) October 25, 2024
Another, predictable furious reaction can be predicted after the declarations of the Minister for Tourism Daniela Santanchè, from the shrine in Egypt. “The story is known, but today not everyone knows it. Just as few know of the existence of the shrine that honors the Italians who died in El Alamein. They died for their country. And for this reason they should not be forgotten.” And again: “Their value must be honoured, because it is greater than ideologies”, adds Santanchè.
#Greater #ideologies #Tempo
Interview with Historian Dr. Elisa Rossi on the Significance of El Alamein Memorial Visits
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. Recently, Ignazio La Russa shared reflections on the significance of the Military Shrine of El Alamein and the sacrifices of Italian soldiers during the battle. Why is the commemoration of such events important for our society?
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me. Commemorating events such as the Battle of El Alamein is crucial for a number of reasons. Firstly, it allows us to honor the memory and bravery of those who fought. Every soldier represents a story, a family, and their sacrifices should not be forgotten. Additionally, these commemorations serve as a reminder of the past, helping us to learn from history and recognize the impacts of war, both on individuals and societies as a whole.
Interviewer: Giorgio Napolitano’s visit in 2008 underscored the importance of remembrance. What can you tell us about the ongoing relevance of such visits by public figures today?
Dr. Rossi: Well, visits from public figures like Napolitano help to elevate these memorials and the stories they hold, making them part of national consciousness. It reinforces the idea that remembering our history is a collective responsibility. When leaders participate in such acts of remembrance, it sends a strong message about the value we place on our military heritage and the lessons we must carry into the future.
Interviewer: La Russa’s recent comments about heroism and tragedy resonate with many. How do you see the balance between celebrating heroism and acknowledging the tragic aspects of war?
Dr. Rossi: It’s essential to strike that balance. Celebrating heroism recognizes the courage and determination of soldiers, while acknowledging the tragedy reminds us of the human cost of conflict. By doing both, we can foster a more nuanced understanding of our history, ensuring that while we honor those who served, we also commit ourselves to strive for peace and to learn from the mistakes of the past.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. It’s vital to continue these conversations as we navigate our way through history and its lessons.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing the importance of remembrance and the legacy of our history.
Figures like Giorgio Napolitano or Ignazio La Russa can significantly affect public perception and awareness of historical events. Their presence adds weight to the commemoration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the sacrifices made. These visits can also foster a sense of national unity, as they emphasize shared history, even amidst ideological divides today. When leaders acknowledge such moments, it reinforces the importance of collective memory and responsibility.
Interviewer: Minister Daniela Santanchè recently spoke about the value of remembering the Italian soldiers who fought in El Alamein, highlighting that their sacrifices transcend ideology. What message do you think she intended to convey with her remarks?
Dr. Rossi: Santanchè’s comments suggest a desire to promote a more inclusive understanding of history, where the valor of soldiers is honored regardless of the political context of their actions. This perspective is vital, especially in a divided political climate, as it attempts to bridge gaps and reminds us of our shared humanity. By focusing on the sacrifices made for the country rather than the conflicts themselves, we can shift toward a more unifying narrative.
Interviewer: How do you see the role of public discourse surrounding these memorials evolving, especially given the contentious political climate in Italy?
Dr. Rossi: The public discourse around memorials will likely remain contentious, as events from the past are often framed through contemporary lenses. However, as more voices join the conversation, especially those advocating for remembrance and reconciliation, there could be a gradual shift toward a more constructive dialogue. Encouraging respectful debates about the meaning and significance of these sacrifices can help foster a sense of shared history that is essential for moving forward as a nation.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights on this important issue.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss how our history shapes our identity today.
