Minister Crosetto attends Mass in Rembrance of the Battle of Check Point Pasta

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“Today we remember the Fallen of 2 July 1993 in Mogadishu, an event that testifies to the courage of the Italian soldiers and of Italy’s continuity in helping friendly countries to meet their security, freedom and peace requirements”, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Check Point Pasta in Mogadishu. Italy was in Somalia as part of an international coalition established under the UN mandate to contribute to the stabilization of the country, torn apart by civil war.

“Today we are here to keep the memory from fading, to honor the memory of our servicemen. We remember Second Lieutenant Andrea Millevoi, Sergeant Major Stefano Paolicchi, Corporal Pasquale Baccaro with deep feelings, gratitude and respect: heroes killed in action, bearers of the Gold Medal for Military Valour”, Minister Crosetto stated. He then added:”We express our closeness to all the wounded in action who were able to go back to the safety of their families and affections, also thanks to the heroism of those who fought at their side.People like those who honour us today with thei presence: Lieutenant Colonel Gianfranco Paglia, Gold Medal for Military Valour; General Paolo Riccò, Silver Medal for Military Valour, then the Commander of XV Parachute Company Diavoli Neri (Black Devils). Our security is the product of their courage. Our military are actually among Italy’s best ambassadors across the world, ambassadors of security and freedom, because there is no freedom without security”.

The anniversary was celebrated this morning in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli with a mass celebrated by the Military Ordinary of Italy, Santo Marcianò. The ceremony was attended also by Deputy Speaker of the Senate Sen. Maurizio Gasparri; Undersecretary of State for Defence Sen. Isabella Rauti; Chief of Defence Staff Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone; Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pietro Serino; Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Luca Goretti; General Commander of the Carabinieri Gen. Teo Luzi; Commander General of the Customs Police Gen. Andrea De Gennaro and Deputy Chief of Defence Staff and Alpine Corps Most Senior Serving Officer Gen. Carmine Masiello, as well as civil and military authorities.