Italian Government
Day of Remembrance for Sailors Lost at Sea
"They never lowered the flag to which they had sworn allegiance to their country. The sacrifice of the sailors aboard the battleship “Roma” and the destroyers “Da Noli” and “Vivaldi,” who perished at sea following the sinking of their ships during the dramatic days following the Armistice, reminds us just how long, difficult, and painful Italy’s journey toward regaining its freedom was.
Today, September 9, on the “Day of Remembrance for Sailors Lost at Sea,” we honor them through the voice of Gustavo Bellazzini, “two L’s and two Z’s” (as he proudly liked to say), the last surviving member of the “Roma” crew, as he recites the Sailor’s Prayer.
I had the privilege of meeting him and embracing him. Last year, he rejoined his fellow soldiers, but his testimony continues to convey to us the courage of all those who sacrificed themselves for an Italy that, without them, would not be the free and democratic nation we know today.
Honor to the sailors lost at sea. The Republic does not forget.”
So said Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.
