Anniversary of the Afghanistan Attack

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October 9, 2010.
Afghanistan.
A convoy escorted by Italian Army Alpini soldiers serving in the ISAF mission is ambushed. An explosive device hidden on the side of the road detonates, striking a vehicle carrying Italian soldiers.

Staff Sergeant Gianmarco Manca, Staff Sergeant Sebastiano Ville, Staff Sergeant Francesco Vannozzi, and First Staff Sergeant Marco Pedone lost their lives. Other soldiers were wounded.

“Sixteen years have passed, but the memory of Gianmarco, Sebastiano, Francesco, and Marco remains alive. Four soldiers who had chosen to serve Italy and who, far from home, lost their lives while carrying out their duty.
Behind those uniforms were four stories, their loved ones, and their families. Remembering those names, etched in the nation’s memory, means recognizing the value of these individuals, the choices they made, and the sense of duty that guided them. This is what the Armed Forces do; this is what the great Defense family does.
It is a bond that time cannot erase and that lives on in their fellow soldiers, who cherish their memory and carry on their commitment.
Italy’s gratitude goes out to Gianmarco, Sebastiano, Francesco, and Marco. To their families and to all those who bear in body and spirit the marks of their sacrifice for the country, I extend my embrace and that of the entire Defense community.” So said Minister Guido Crosetto.