Ischia - "We may not know you, but we know you protect us." "I feel safe with you; you are angels to me."
These are just some of the phrases written in a halting hand but with genuine emotion by the students of an elementary school in Forio d'Ischia, who wanted to dedicate a thought to the Carabinieri and, in particular, to the three soldiers who tragically died in the explosion that occurred in Castel d'Azzano, in the Verona area.
During a simple yet touching ceremony, the children handed over their cards and drawings to the Carabinieri of the local station, who welcomed the initiative with emotion. "We are all grateful because you have the courage to be the first to help us," wrote a young student, while another girl added a heartfelt message: "You are truly people to look up to."
A wall of memory and gratitude
The letters and drawings, decorated with red hearts and Italian flags, were posted inside the Carabinieri station in Forio, where they will remain as a tangible sign of closeness and gratitude. Some messages were read aloud by the children themselves, others by the military personnel present, in a respectful silence.
“Behind every uniform are people who choose to serve with courage,” one of those present recalled, “and seeing the recognition of the littlest ones is the greatest honor we can receive.”
A memory that unites
The initiative, which began spontaneously in school, was intended not only as a moment of solidarity but also as a way to teach children the value of sacrifice and memory.
In Forio, as in many other Italian communities, the Castel d'Azzano tragedy continues to inspire grief, but also pride for those who, wearing a uniform, choose to protect others every day.
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A simple message, written in colored pencils, becomes a small, yet significant gesture of gratitude: “Thank you for being here. Because you are our heroes.”
