Mattarella commemorates the Sant’Anna di Stazzema massacre: “Remembering is an act of liberation that is constantly renewed”

“The Republic feels a duty to remember the innocent – women, the elderly, children – who were killed without mercy in Sant’Anna and the hamlets of Stazzema, their bodies desecrated and burnt, in a complete disregard for all sense of humanity. In this memorial to civil society, as in other places of sorrow, lie the roots of the Republic.” This was written in a message by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on the anniversary of the massacre perpetrated by Nazi troops on 12 August 1944 in Sant’Anna di Stazzema, a small village in the hills around Lucca. Over 500 people lost their lives. Today’s ceremony marking the 82nd anniversary of the massacre – to be held within the Sant’Anna National Peace Park – will also be attended by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and the leader of the M5S, Giuseppe Conte. The former Prime Minister, in his official capacity, has been entrusted with delivering the official address. 

“On the morning of 12 August 1944, SS units, with the complicity of the Fascists, began the massacre,” writes Mattarella. “A symbol of the abyss into which wars can plunge, erasing human dignity and allowing the horror of annihilation to prevail.” The community of Stazzema, “after its grief, was able to regain its confidence, as Italy and Europe redeemed the most terrible things history had produced through peace, freedom, democracy, equal and universal rights, and progressive integration”. Yet, the Head of State observes, “now wars have returned to cast their shadow over our times; now the thirst for power and the desire for domination are re-emerging, manifesting themselves in forms that are even unprecedented”. Consequently, he continues, “testimonies and consciences capable of conveying experiences and values are more precious than ever. They are capable of repelling violence, hatred and contempt for pluralism and for people’s identities. Remembering the past, as well as being an act of responsibility, is an act of liberation that is constantly renewed,” observes Mattarella. “The victory over Nazi-Fascism paved the way for rebirth.”

“Every generation must realise that it is up to each one to strengthen and defend civil achievements, which are not secured once and for all,” he concludes. “Their ethical foundations and the reasons for our commitment must be renewed and reinforced.”