In Naples, in the Basilica of Santa Chiara, the Carabinieri celebrated their Patron Saint, the Blessed Virgin Mary Virgo Fidelis, the 82nd anniversary of the “Battle of Culqualber” and the “Orphan's Day”. At the Holy Mass, officiated by His Excellency Monsignor Francesco Beneduce, Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Naples, the Interregional Commander of the Carabinieri “Ogaden”, General of the Army Corps Antonio de Vita, spoke. In memory of the heroic feat of arms, which ended on 21 November 1941, during the Second World War, in the African town of Culquaber, where an entire Battalion of Carabinieri, demonstrating deep love of country and unwavering loyalty to the oath they had taken, sacrificed themselves to prevent the enemy's advance, he stressed the importance of awareness of being Carabinieri, guarantors of the protection of free institutions and custodians of the common good and of what their role requires: daily commitment, constant reliability and personal responsibility.
For the exceptional act of generosity and sacrifice carried out by the Carabinieri in the battle of Culquaber, on 7 April 1949 the Flag of the Corps was awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor and on 11 November of the same year, Pope Pius XII decided to proclaim the “Blessed Virgin Mary Virgo Fidelis” Patron of the Corps, setting the anniversary date on 21 November. The ceremony, attended by civil and military authorities, a large representation of Carabinieri from the “Campania” Legion, the Provincial Command of Naples, the 10th “Campania” Regiment, the Forestry Carabinieri, the Special Units, personnel from the military representation bodies, the National Association of the Carabinieri and the National Association of Forestry Corps on leave as well as military personnel free from service with their families, concluded with the celebration of “Orphan's Day”, on the occasion of which awards were given to eight young men. orphans of military personnel resident in Campania for having particularly distinguished themselves in their studies.
All orphans of the Carabinieri are assisted by the National Assistance Organization for the Orphans of the Military of the Carabinieri, a non-profit organization that since 1948, thanks to the voluntary contribution of all the Carabinieri, has supported, also through the provision of adequate subsidies, the orphans of military personnel of the Carabinieri in their growth and education.
Article published on November 21, 2023 - 18:43
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