Italian Government
Solemn Funeral for Italian Soldiers Killed in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Today, in Rome, at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, a solemn funeral ceremony was held for the four Italian military personnel who lost their lives on 29 October in the tragic accident involving an Italian helicopter deployed in Operation EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Today, the Republic is here. The State is here, united and without divisions, to pay tribute to our four brothers.
It is here in its highest expression, represented by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, whom I thank for his constant support, especially during the most painful moments for the families of the Defence community.
I can only imagine that, for their loved ones, all of this may seem incomprehensible. Because before being military personnel, they were their children, the little ones they held in their arms and watched grow up. They were their life partners, with whom they had shared dreams and plans.
Claudio, Simone, Franco Adriano and Laura. Four different stories, united by the same passion: serving their country with pride, enthusiasm and joy.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,’ reads today’s Gospel.
This is what our military personnel are: women and men who have chosen to serve others and defend peace, even far from home, in places where peace is more fragile.
When I travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the site of the accident, to pay tribute to our fallen and meet the injured, one thing struck me.
The parties that had long been opposed in that land had immediately reached an agreement: to build a monument together in memory of our young men and women.
Because Simone, Claudio, Franco Adriano and Laura, by choosing to serve their country in the uniforms of the Italian Army Aviation and the Italian Red Cross Volunteer Military Corps, have become a symbol, also for that land. A symbol of those who have chosen to stand on the side of good, to serve peace and to bring people together where history has divided them. This is what our military personnel do every day.
I know that these words cannot ease the pain of those left behind.
But today, I say to their families: you will not be alone. The great Defence family will stand by you and preserve their memory.
Because Simone, Claudio, Franco Adriano and Laura represent the very best of Italy.
The Italy we have a duty to defend.”
These were the words of Minister Guido Crosetto on the occasion of the solemn funeral ceremony for Army Aviation Sergeant Major Simone Ruggia and Sergeant Major Claudio Marchesi, and for Captain Franco Adriano Zecchillo and Sergeant Major Laura Procacci of the Italian Red Cross Volunteer Military Corps.
