The admiral Binelli-Mantelli gave proof of this at the inauguration of the first bust dedicated to a former member of the college who stood out at the highest levels in professional and civil life: Admiral Oriana.
On Saturday there was a combination of factors that made it possible to make accessible to anyone what the spirit of belonging meant. The inauguration coincided with the opening of the 2014-15 school year. The ceremony took place on time, with the young students perfectly aligned and aware that the day was special. The bust has been placed in the avenue leading to the main structure where we read the writing in large letters "Patria e onore". This is the first time that this has happened, but what they have told me probably will not be the last, because from that forge of training that is Morosini, people who have distinguished themselves in life there are many.
Oriana is the first and was not only a great military but also a senator who has distinguished himself for the continuous work aimed at improving the navy in Italy. Oriana, however, in addition to the notable professional merits has been able to impress in the soul of the young Morosini (was commander of the then college) even the most important value: the spirit of belonging. The admiral Binelli-Mantelli, a former student of Morosini, is the maximum witness at the top of the FFAA.
After the ceremony to discover the bust, everyone moved to the main hall for the opening of the school year. And it is at this point that what appeared to be a mythological legend has come true in the eyes of a layman: the authorities and former Morosini figures have stood up at the entrance of the students. It is something that impresses a lot, because it is the demonstration that gives importance to the future. The question is fundamental.
The flags of the previous courses are paraded and then positioned. Former pupils looked closely at their banner. The boys and girls have maintained a perfect attitude and posture. The interventions of the authorities present were followed, often interspersed with applauses and various mottoes.
Many students and students were awarded scholarships. All the speeches were learned and aimed at transmitting formative and foundational values for the personality of the students. But the zenith has reached the admiral Binelli Mantelli who has been able to transform into reality something that has always been intangible. Among the Venetian citizens has always been rumored that those of Morosini have a special spirit. Personally I have always believed that rumors were dictated more by envy than anything else. But to ascertain that this is reality is a very different thing.
The admiral has elegantly given a life lesson that is worth more than many speeches: he returned, a few months after the end of his brilliant career, where it all began. Alpha and omega, then. Personally I had the impression that he was a little touched, but the behavior and the example is worth much more than any speech. He showed great humanity when, before starting his speech, he explicitly addressed the students who kept the banners high and had been motionless for more than an hour with the following words: "If you don't move your legs a little, I won't beginning. "
It may seem like a simple joke, but instead it contains all the love and the spirit of the Morosini it has received and which is being handed down to future generations. It turned out to be a man who, despite having had a splendid career, knew how to have an eye for the very young.
The test of the nine? The students did not give up and with determination they remained still and with a proud look. The spirit of Morosini continues and is reality!
Francesco Bergamo
