«Dear women and men of the Carabinieri, today we celebrate 212 years of history. An extraordinary story made of service, sacrifice, courage and loyalty to the Republic. But above all made up of people. Of women and men who choose to be there every day.” Thus the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, in his speech in Reggio Calabria at the ceremony for the 212th annual foundation of the Carabinieri.
“My first thought goes to the fallen. To those who gave everything up to their lives”
«In the stations of small municipalities, in the neighborhoods of large cities, in the most difficult territories, in specialized departments, in missions abroad. Wherever there is someone who needs security, help, listening or simply a reliable presence of the State”, continued Crosetto. «On this day – underlined Crosetto – my first thought goes to the fallen soldiers. To those who gave everything, up to their lives, to serve the country. Their example continues to live in the nation’s memory. I address the institutions’ gratitude and my most sincere closeness to their families.”
“We live in complex times, threats change rapidly”
«We live in complex times, in which – added the minister – threats change rapidly and take on new forms. To face them you need professionalism, the ability to innovate and adequate tools.” «But the real wealth of the Army – he continued – will continue to be the people: your experience, your preparation, your ability to understand the needs of the communities and to be close to the citizens. To all of you I want to say one simple thing: you are not alone. Behind every carabiniere there is the Army, there are the institutions, there is the great Defense family. And there are millions of Italians who recognize and appreciate your commitment every day. My most sincere thanks go to each of you.” «Wear a uniform – underlined Crosetto – which brings with it over two centuries of history, which represents the sacrifice, the courage, the sense of duty of generations of carabinieri who have won the trust of Italians day after day, with example even before words. The strength of the Benemerita also comes from the profound sense of belonging that unites you. From that authentic solidarity that is created between those who share sacrifices, responsibilities and values. It is this cohesion that makes the Carabinieri one of the most loved and respected institutions in the country.”