Final farewell to Chief Brigadier of the Carabinieri Carlo Legrottaglie

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The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, accompanied by the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, attended the funeral of Chief Brigadier of the Carabinieri Carlo Legrottaglie in Ostuni, at the parish of Santa Maria Madre della Chiesa.
Brigadier Legrottaglie was killed on June 12 near Francavilla Fontana (Brindisi), on his last day of duty.

“The last days of service for a public employee are usually filled with farewells, pats on the back, reflections, and preparations for a new chapter in life. For Chief Brigadier Carlo Legrottaglie, sadly, that day was different.
He didn’t stay behind at the office sorting documents. He didn’t take a break. Carlo was set to retire in July. The countdown had already begun. A few days of leave, and then off to retirement. But Carlo didn’t count the days, because for those who serve the State, what matters is the duty born from the oath, from the uniform. Because he never wore that uniform out of habit.
Carlo went on patrol, like every other day of his career. He got into the patrol car—the 'gazzella'—simply to do his duty.
He was 59 years old, had a wife and two wonderful daughters. A life in the service of others. Just like on Thursday, when he stepped in once again.
There was a suspicious car. He could have ignored it or done his duty. He didn’t look away. He didn’t hesitate—just like always. And he fell as a man of the State.
Carlo is not a media hero. He is much more than that. Carlo was, is, and will remain one of the finest faces of our Armed Forces and the Carabinieri Corps. He is the example that to serve means to be faithful to the country and to the oath, not just in words but through actions.
And he lived that all the way to the ultimate sacrifice—even when perhaps no one would have asked it of him anymore.
To his family, I cannot offer words that ease their pain. On behalf of myself and the entire Defense community, I can only make one solemn promise: Carlo’s family will be our family. Just as all the families of those who gave their lives serving Italy in uniform are.
Today, alongside our President Sergio Mattarella—whom I thank for his constant support—the entire Republic, the entire State was symbolically present to honor him. A State that bows before his memory and will forever cherish his example.”
Thus spoke Minister Guido Crosetto.

The funeral was celebrated by Monsignor Gian Franco Saba, Military Ordinary for Italy, in a parish crowded with citizens. Present were the Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, Minister of Labor and Social Policies Marina Elvira Calderone, Chief of the Defense Staff General Luciano Portolano, Commander General of the Carabinieri Gen. Salvatore Luongo, along with civil and military authorities and representatives of the institutions.