"The Sassari Brigade is a point of reference for the entire island and best represents the DNA and attachment to its roots of this island". These are some of the words that the Undersecretary of Defense Isabella Rauti, this morning in Sassari, addressed to journalists on the occasion of the ceremony that celebrated the return of the Sassari mission from the Unifil mission in Lebanon and the 110th anniversary of the birth of the Brigade.
The reference to the attacks suffered by the contingent during the international commitment is inevitable. "The Brigade found itself managing the most delicate moment in recent years, and reacted with extra professionalism and commitment. It was extraordinary and never stopped bringing concrete aid to the population, especially women, and with a concerted effort it managed to avoid the escalation".
Finally, a reflection on the mission itself. "We are convinced that it must continue, but we also express the need to review some rules of engagement in relation to the changed contexts. We believe that diplomacy and dialogue are still the best weapons for peace." Revolt following the deployments. "You have left your mark and earned the trust of Italy and the world. There is an Italian style of contributing to cooperation, and the Italian heart is always generous. Your motto - he concludes - is Sa vida pro sa patria, and nothing more important than this can be added. I express all our gratitude. Always be proud of the Sassari Brigade as is the entire nation."
A double ceremony was held this morning for the 110-year history of the Sassari Brigade, founded on March 1, 1915. The highest levels of the army were present, including General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Staff of the Army, and institutions, including the President of the Region Alessandra Todde.
General Stefano Messina, commander of the Sassari Brigade, recalled the “almost visionary” intuition that led to the foundation of the Brigade. Then the assessment of the mission marked by the assault at the end of August by the Israeli defense forces to prevent attacks by Hezbollah militias, with the danger of escalation threatening the entire region. “Despite all this,” Messina said, “the commitment of the Italian contingent in monitoring the ceasefire, in cooperation with the Lebanese armed forces to guarantee the security and stability of the area and in supporting the local population with targeted civil-military cooperation interventions, especially in favor of the displaced people in the border areas of southern Lebanon, has never failed.” The “dimonios”, as they were renamed in the Great War, were protagonists in the First World War, a heroism recognized with the awarding of 2 gold medals for military valor conferred on the flags of its regiments to which are added 6 military orders of Italy, 9 gold medals, 405 silver, and 551 individual bronze medals.
