Naples – In the evocative setting of Piazza Giovanni Paolo II/Piazza Ciro Esposito in Scampia, where ten years ago Pope Francis symbolically embraced the city, the ceremony for the 211th anniversary of the foundation of the Carabinieri took place today.
The event, organized by the Carabinieri Interregional Command “Ogaden”, saw the participation of prominent authorities, including the Vice President of the Chamber, Hon. Sergio Costa, the Undersecretaries of State, Senator Isabella Rauti and Dr. Giuseppina Castiello, as well as political, military, religious and judicial representatives.
The event was framed by over 700 students accompanied by their teachers, a testament to the deep bond between the force and the citizens of Naples.
The anniversary, which celebrates the date of June 5, 1920, when the Flag of the Corps was awarded the first Gold Medal for Military Valor for heroism in the First World War, was opened by the Deputy General Commander of the Corps and Interregional Commander "Ogaden", General Marco Minicucci.
In the Basilica of Santa Chiara, in the presence of Alessandro D'Acquisto, the General paid homage to the Fallen of the Carabinieri by placing a wreath on the tomb of the Venerable Servant of God, Vice Brigadier Salvo D'Acquisto, Gold Medal for Military Valor.
At 9:30, the ceremony began with the entrance into the square of the Training Department, symbol of the over 18 thousand Carabinieri who operate every day in Campania, Puglia, Abruzzo, Molise and Basilicata. During the event, the Message of the President of the Republic and the Order of the Day of the General Commander of the Force were read.
In his speech, General Minicucci addressed young people in particular, inviting them to follow the ideals of honesty and legality, values that the Carabinieri embody and that bind them inextricably to Naples.
“Two days in Four squares”: an event for the city
The celebrations do not stop at today's ceremony. With the support of the Municipality of Naples, the Automobile Club of Naples and 42 sponsors, the Interregional Command "Ogaden" has organized the initiative "Two days in Four squares", scheduled for June 7 and 8. The event will involve citizens, with special attention to young people, through stands located in four symbolic places of the city: Piazza Salvo D'Acquisto/Piazza Carità, Piazza del Plebiscito, Piazza Dei Martiri and Rotonda Diaz.
On display, memorabilia, uniforms and equipment of the Arma: from the historic cartridge pouch to the felucca of the Grande Uniforme, up to the helicopter pilot helmet and the public order equipment of the 1st Mobile Brigade. Visitors will be able to obtain the “Amici dei Carabinieri” passport and participate in a route through the streets of Naples, involving 12 shops that have joined the initiative to express their closeness to the Arma.
An opportunity to celebrate not only the history and values of the Carabinieri, but also their role as a guardian of legality and a point of reference for the community.
The moment of the award ceremony for the Carabinieri who have distinguished themselves in institutional activities was particularly moving:
Silver Medal for Civil Valor to the App. Sc. Francis Maiello for the arrest, off duty, of a robber;
– Silver Medal for Civil Valor to the Brigadier Giuseppe Prisco and App. Sc. Antonio Ascolese, for saving a woman from a burning apartment;
– Bronze Medal for Civil Valor to the Vice Brigadier Mario Landi and App. Sc. QS Girolamo Solina, for the arrest of a man who, armed with a pistol, threatened a shopkeeper.
The award was given to four Station Commanders and one Forestry Unit Commander, who particularly distinguished themselves in their long-term institutional service:
– Lieutenant Special Charge Fabio Galasso, Commander of the Sassa Station (L'Aquila);
– Lieutenant Special Charge Damiano Mingo Mayo, Commander of the Palagianello Station (Taranto);
– Lieutenant Special Charge Dominic Colonna, Commander of the Bernalda Station (Matera);
– Chief Marshal Carlo Menzulli, Commander of the Caivano Station (Naples);
– Ordinary Marshal Aniello Cioffi, Commander of the Nucleus Carabinieri Forestry of Marcianise (Caserta).
The tenor Vittorio Grigolo, after having accompanied the farewell of the War Flag of the 10th Regiment Carabinieri “Campania” with the Canto degli Italiani, sang the verses of Puccini’s Nessun Dorma to exalt the feeling of optimism that should animate young people, as well as the song Caruso in honor of the city of Naples.
Article published on 5 June 2025 - 20:56
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Today's event in Naples was very important for the citizens and also for the Carabinieri who are celebrating their anniversary. But there are always questions about how to invest in young people. I hope there are more initiatives to involve young people.