"Manuel was not a mercenary, but a young man with a big heart." Vincenza Perez and Stefano Mameli speak for the first time about their son, the foreign fighter who left Selargius to defend Ukraine, and who hasn't been heard from since May after a Russian attack while he was on a mission on the front. Officially "missing in action," these words keep the 25-year-old's family's hope alive amid their grief. They have dedicated a book to him, "Manuel, the Courage of a Choice," which tells the boy's story: "For us, a hero."
Life in a book
A little over a hundred pages in which the mother retraces her son's life, his childhood, his studies, his passion for cooking, his first work experiences in Cagliari and beyond. Up until his decision to enlist in the International Legion, made in November of last year, a life choice that had been in the air for some time: "Mom, Dad, I'm leaving for Ukraine." These words chilled his parents: "Despite the fear and pain, we could only respect his choice."
Since then, it's been a flurry of phone calls, filled with fears and the boy's stories, trying to reassure the family. "May 11th was an unforgettable evening, intense, full of emotions. A special coincidence." His sister Stefania was at her parents' house on a mini-vacation at the time. "Manuel made a video call, the perfect opportunity to all be together, even though no one could have imagined how meaningful it would be."
The premonition
A long, long-distance chat, alternating with smiles and glances that met on the phone screen. But with a feeling of foreboding, as if that might be the last time." Then silence, and the news they never wanted to hear: "According to a friend and other witnesses, Manuel had died in battle, during a violent conflict." A knife in the hearts of his parents and sister, who have clung to hope ever since, locked in the silence of their home in Selargius.
Cruel comments
Overwhelmed by grief, and by that unexpected wave of hate from keyboard warriors. "So many cruel comments, insults, and unpleasant words have been written on social media—'he was a mercenary,' 'he deserves it.' As if the family's grief wasn't enough." The book also includes a quote written on social media by his sister Stefania in defense of her brother: "In those words was all the love, courage, and honor that no attack could ever destroy." The book is signed by his mother Vincenza, written with her husband Stefano "to tell the truth, to reveal who Manuel Mameli really was, not a mercenary, but a young man with a big heart, capable of choosing courageously even when fear is strongest. For us, the word 'missing' doesn't mean the end, but waiting. It's not resignation, but a heartbeat. It's a thin thread that keeps hope alive. And until we have a certain truth, Manuel will live on for us: in his possessions, in his voice that echoes in every thought. Manuel is a hero, and heroes are never forgotten. They are loved and expected.