Interview with gen. Panizzi: ... the Italian is "a soldier for all seasons"

(To Maria Caterina Savoia)
18/11/17

Varese, 17 November. Evening at the Great War in Varese, in the prestigious Villa Panza, on the occasion of the 85 ° Anniversary of the Foundation of the Varese Section of the National Alpine Association. The General of Massimo Panizzi, deputy commander of the Alpine Troops for Territory and Dr. Alberto Barbera, artistic director of the Venice International Film Festival, spoke. Topics covered: the role of the Italian Army and the story of the war through Cinema.

At the end of the conference, we asked a few questions to the general.

General Panizzi, why talk about the Great War again?

Because it was an epochal, tragic and global event. Constituent of our history and our identity of Italians. It is all about us and that we are morally committed to understanding the facts that have contributed to the realization of Italy in which we live today. There is, moreover, the very debt of gratitude to the many who, by sacrificing themselves, have allowed us to live in a better world. With the traveling exhibition called "The Great War. Faith and Value ", the Army's chief state wanted to commemorate those events, paying tribute to those who served the country until the ultimate sacrifice.

One hundred years ago Caporetto. He keeps talking ...

Yes, one hundred years ago, the Italians lived one of the most tragic times of our history.

The most difficult time of the conflict, dramatic, which immediately appeared to be the beginning of the end, after three years of warring war.

Is it correct, in her opinion, to speak of defeat?

Caporetto was often defined, so somewhat simplistic, as a "tout court" defeat. If "defeat" means a total collapse, where everything is lost, no, it was not. On the contrary, as General Graziano explained in a recent interview, although it was a serious defeat, it was the prelude to the final victory. In other words it was the decisive turning point, that of rebirth. The diaries of the time, the many studies carried out on the subject, give a dramatic and, in some respects apocalyptic, picture, but also report the countless examples of courage, pure heroism and incredible value to stem the 'enemy invasion. Episodes that shocked our enemy, who thought he had the final victory in hand, but who had to be deeply and painfully overwhelmed. Episodes that can not be confiscated.

For example?

There are so many, it would be enough to read and study. Today the documentation on this event is vast and the sources are accessible to all. I am reminded of the heroic resistance of the "Genova Cavalleria" and "Lancieri di Novara" regiments of the cavalry brigade of General Capodilista and of departments of the "Bergamo" brigade which, in Pozzuolo del Friuli, immolated themselves to protect the retreat of the 3 ^ armed. Or the extraordinary resistance of the Sardinian Grenadiers in Lestizza and the furious struggle of the “Bologna” brigade on Monte di Ragogna to defend the Pinzano bridge. I talked about it before with my friend Alberto Barbera: we should make a film about it ...

Why do not you talk about it then?

A difficult question, whose response would require an accurate examination that goes beyond my competencies and that probably would meet cultural motives. I can only say that when dealing with such complex, articulate and tragic arguments, they serve intellectual honesty and the desire to study and to inquire. It can not be simplified. Speaking of such dramatic events, a war that has involved all aspects of Italian society in painful and extreme circumstances, it takes respect. Very respectful.

How can boys be interested in these events?

It's another difficult question. And I do not think I have enough expertise to answer them fully. My personal opinion is that we should primarily cultivate in the kids the "curiosity" of knowing our story. I believe that the topic of "Great War" involves so many aspects that can be of interest to everyone: there are diplomacy, military art, innovations, the role of women, the transformation of industry, the new challenges encountered by medicine, "trench sociology", the role of propaganda, art, music, literature and many more. For us military people, it is of great interest to find out how the Army really became the Army of the Italians.

General, what would you suggest to a young man who likes to approach these issues?

What we already recommend and stimulate our military to do: visit the Sacrarians and Military Museums scattered around our territory. There is a real "geography of the Great War", guided itineraries of great historical and even tourist interest that cross those "sacred" places. You see, in my current assignment, I have the responsibility of three Army Military Museums and I often happen to attend ceremonies at the Sacrileges and War Cemeteries. Visiting them changes you deeply. No one is indifferent to a visit to the Shrines of Redipuglia, Cima Grappa or Oslavia. Nobody. But you have to get ready. In Redipuglia it is written: "The solemn majesty of the place is not seen for the eyes unless it is first felt in the heart." Those words have always impressed me. Love for the Country learns. And the sacred places of our history are an extraordinary viatic to learning and are an inexhaustible source of moral energy.

But is it right to insist on the commemoration of the fallen?

It's not just right, it's a must! There is no progress or future without the memory of the past and without the gratitude to those who have had to fight to guarantee the conditions of peace and stability that sometimes seem to be discounted.

What is the image of the Italian soldier in the Great War for her?

One word comes to mind: DIGNITY. A great dignity. Especially in the difficult and tragic moments, on the eve of warfare where men were aware that they could find death. The dignity that emerges in diaries and letters from the front: extraordinary, unmissable literature.

In a hundred years the Army has changed skin many times. You are a commander of men. What is your current soldier with that of today?

With all the distinction of the case and expressing personal opinion, I believe there are some distinctive features of the Italian soldier always present, today as before: courage, determination, dignity and greatness of mind, ability to overcome always the difficult circumstances, the extraordinary adaptability to every situation. By paraphrasing the title of a famous movie, one could say that the Italian soldier is "a soldier for all seasons". There is also the motto of an Alpine regiment, which I think attaches well to the essence of the Italian military: "nec videar dum sim" or "not to appear but to be".

Dr. Barbera talked about the most famous films on the Great War. What is your favorite?

It's hard for me to decide which one. They are so many and different. Among the Italian films I remember in my mind the "Great War" of Monicelli. I looked at him for the first time as a boy. I was fascinated. The final image of the Sordi / Gassman duo, opportunistic soldiers who, hurt in pride, rebel and find the honor of feeling Italian, is extraordinary. It sends you the sense of the country.

If he were to propose to Alberto Barbera a film about a military character, who would talk to him?

He does not make films, but he knows who he is doing. Well, I would try to get him to propose films that help us rediscover some of the great Italians in uniform: for example Federigo Caprilli, Amedeo Guillet, Paolo Caccia Dominioni.

Choose one

Then I chose Paolo Caccia Dominioni: he fought in the front line in the two world wars. Officer, engineer, writer, inimitable designer, exceptional memoir. But, above all, a man who has made the cult of memory his reason for life. The creation of the El Alamein Shrine is a hymn to pietas. He really celebrated the value of the Italian soldier.

(Photo: Matteo Mezzalira)