How many times we happened to walk in the street and to meet a policeman in uniform, or to read in the newspaper that a young carabiniere has foiled a robbery or helped a needy citizen.
In Turin, in one of the most famous streets of the city, close to the Renaissance citadel, there is one of the most important complexes for the weapon. The Carabinieri School of Via Cernaia is an institution of the Piedmontese capital, recognized by all and honored by many, it is the symbol of the historic presence of the city. In this centuries-old institute, young neighborhood carabinieri are trained and intervene daily for the protection of citizens. The School is majestic with a prestigious architecture that blends perfectly with the adjacent buildings. At the head of this very particular school we find Colonel Franco Frasca, a man of extraordinary human qualities who seems to remember with that welcoming smile that the carabiniere is not only a man in uniform but is above all a citizen at the disposal of other citizens. The first thing he says to me leaves me pleasantly surprised:
Reflecting on it, no one in everyday life stops to think about what is behind the formation of a carabiniere, there is not only the uniform but there is an attention to detail and above all an extraordinary proximity to the people around them.
As soon as I enter the barracks I am greeted with an almost paternal kindness, although no one knows me they smile and greet me, this makes me want to ask questions and to know the world - for me a bit 'hidden - the carabinieri. It seems that they were born to make people feel at ease, with a friendly atmosphere is a rare availability to find.
As he speaks, the colonel has a proud tone about whoever sees the uniform as a duty and not just a job, he smiles because those he guides are men and women with unique interpersonal skills, who want and need us in contact with people stay, here not only the professional figure is formed but also the man who is behind the uniform. Men who with their mere presence must reassure citizens, must be able to give serenity in moments that often have absolutely nothing at all, they are men who are faced not only with the dangers that the trade entails but must do so with absolute seriousness and according to pre-established rules.
This last sentence strikes me most of all, the colonel's tone is serious and we see that the words he spoke are not just rhetoric to be given to journalists. Forming young minds today is not a simple task, forming young minds to legality and to support others and something even more difficult, especially for the professional figure of the carabiniere, who is often opposed and ridiculed. Being an active part of society is for these boys and girls a source of pride and pride, knowing they are there in times of difficulty for people and being able to bring them the comfort and security necessary to find serenity and spur them on in these 12 months of School , a school that we could define first of life and then doctrinal.
The colonel takes me for a walk around the school, the day allows and despite the climate certainly not friendly Turin we can give a brief exit in the courtyard, here the commander tells me an experience that has hit him very much, the we can see how proud he speaks of it: the mini naja that he welcomed two years ago to his school.
With this personal story, the commander gives me some of the passion that has always made the weapon of the carabinieri in Italy and abroad great. The pride and pride with which he teaches citizens how to become carabinieri makes the colonel worthy of esteem and appreciation. Colonel Frasca continues his work despite the difficult time for the uniform he wears, despite the criticism, cuts and the presumption of the people that he can always do better than them, believing that training young carabinieri is first a moral issue and a issue of books and law.
As I approach the door to leave the facility, a young carabiniere thanks me for taking an interest in their school and their work, smiles and tells me
I take my leave of my visit, more aware of the work of men in uniform who struggle on our side every day to make this country a better place for everyone.
Denise Serangelo
