The 132nd “Ariete” armored brigade of the Italian Army has today completed eighty years of history. The anniversary was commemorated this morning at the "Mittica" barracks in Pordenone with a short ceremony, which was attended by local civil and military authorities, including the deputy mayor of Pordenone, Eligio Grizzo, and representatives of the Combat Associations and d'Arma.
The 60 ° commander of Aries, Brigadier General Enrico Barduani, took the floor, after reading the agenda, to underline the importance of the cult of the past and of the traditions, as well as the dutiful remembrance of the Fallen and of those Soldiers who, in times of war and peace, were wounded to carry out their duties and keep the sacred Oath to Italy.
Set up as a Division in Milan on 1 February 1939, Aries was one of the leading players in the events of World War II, distinguished by value and tenacity in numerous war episodes, such as the conquest of Tobruk and the second battle of El Alamein. The valiant behavior held during the long operating cycle in North Africa, from February 1941 to November 1942, meant that Aries was the Unit of the Italian Army with the highest number of citations in the war bulletins of the Supreme Command. After the almost total annihilation, the Division was reconstituted the 1 ° April 1943 and was particularly distinguished in the defense of Rome by the Nazi-fascist troops.
Since 1949 the Aries command has been in Pordenone, becoming one of the most significant examples of a happy union between local communities and the military community. Since the end of the Second World War, Aries has undergone various reconfigurations, up to the reduction to brigade level, which today has seven regiments and a command department located mainly in the Friuli area, and has been frequently involved in operations, both at the abroad and on the national territory. In particular, it took part in operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon.
Firmly linked to the local territory and close to the population, Aries has always contributed, during natural disasters, to relief and reconstruction operations. From Vajont, in the 1963, to the recent floods that have affected the Po Valley, from the 1976 earthquake in Friuli to the 2016 earthquakes in central Italy, there are numerous interventions carried out by the brigade's military, which have always guaranteed, with professionalism and dedication, their presence in times of difficulty in the country.
Equally significant is the participation of its units in operations, in competition with the police, for the purposes of security on the national territory. In particular, Aries is currently involved in the "Safe Roads" operation with three of its regiments in the city of Rome and in the earthquake areas of central Italy.
On the occasion of today's celebration, guests attending the celebration were also able to visit the historical hall of Aries, a place where memorabilia and precious testimonies of the glorious past of the great armored unit are preserved.
At the event was also present the fanfare dell'11 ° Bersaglieri regiment that performed the anthem of Italy for the initial flag-raising ceremony.
