On February 10, 2025, Italy observed the 'Giorno del Ricordo' (Day of Remembrance), commemorated with wreath-laying ceremonies aimed at honoring the victims of the foibe and the subsequent exodus of Italians from their homeland during the aftermath of World War II.
Mayor Franco Ianeselli led one of the ceremonies at Largo Pigarelli, attended by various authorities including Vice President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Francesca Gerosa, and members of the Italian parliament, Sara Ferrari and Vanessa Cattoi. They laid a wreath at the commemorative plaque dedicated to the victims of the foibe, which recalls the tragic events during the second post-war period.
The Day of Remembrance was enacted by law in 2004 to preserve and renew awareness of the plight suffered by Italians from the Julian-Dalmatian area. These victims were subjected to persecution and were forced to flee their homes amid violence and political turmoil. Such gestures of remembrance are pivotal, as highlighted by Santangelo’s address.
Speaking at the ceremony held near the monument “Ai Martiri delle Foibe” at Piazza D'Armi, L'Aquila, Regional Culture Assessor Roberto Santangelo emphasized the seriousness and significance of remembering these tragedies. He stated, “Ricordare le tragedie delle foibe significa onorare la memoria di chi ha perso la vita in quei drammatici eventi e mantenere viva la consapevolezza storica nelle nuove generazioni.” (To recall the tragedies of the foibe means to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during those dramatic events and to keep the historical awareness alive among the new generations.)
He added, “Il Giorno del Ricordo è un’occasione per rinnovare l’impegno delle istituzioni nel difendere i valori della libertà e della dignità umana.” (The Day of Remembrance is an occasion to renew the institutions' commitment to defend the values of freedom and human dignity.) His remarks gathered nods of agreement from both civil and military authorities present, as well as members of veterans associations, all solemnly remembering the painful chapters of Italy's history.
A series of similar events occurred across the country, creating spaces for collective reflection. Many attendees also highlighted the importance of passing down the lessons from these dark periods to future generations, ensuring not only remembrance but active scholarly engagement with history.
These commemorations stood out not only for their honoring of past victims but also their call to action for society at large. The Day of Remembrance serves not just as historical acknowledgment but as motivation for active participation against today’s challenges threatening freedom and dignity.
Through such acts of remembrance, the essence of the Day of Remembrance continues to resonate, reinforcing the narrative surrounding the experiences of the Italian diaspora and the enduring value of human rights. With each wreath laid, the memories of those lost are woven back through the fabric of communal consciousness, urging society not to forget.