The KFOR anti-aircraft gunners celebrate their feast today in memory of the epic "Battle of the Solstice"

(To KFOR)
15/06/20

On the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of the events of arms on the Italian front - World War I - the 17th "Sforzesca" artillery regiment of Sabaudia, currently employed in Kosovo in the context of Operation KFOR NATO "Joint Enterprise", celebrated at Camp "Village Italy" the traditional festival of the Artillery Weapon.

The ceremony represents a moment for all artillerymen to remember and honor the heroic deeds of those who sacrificed themselves in June 1918 in what is remembered as the "Battle of the Solstice" (or second battle of the Piave) between the Imperial Army and the Royal Army and which saw the Austro-Hungarian forces overwhelmed in their last great offensive of the First World War.

The ceremony was attended by the commander of the Regional Command West of KFOR, Colonel Natale Gatti and a representation of the six foreign contingents who work together with the anti-aircraft gunners of Sabaudia, as part of the Italian-led multinational unit, responsible for the western sector of Kosovo , currently based on the 17th anti-aircraft artillery regiment.

The suggestive albeit brief event, inevitably conditioned by the measures taken to limit the risk of contagion from COVID-19, began with the solemn ceremony of raising the flag and the allocation of the Commander Cats who formulated the best wishes for ever greater fortunes to all the artillerymen present in Kosovo and in service at the permanent headquarters of Sabaudia. Following the reading of the prayer for the Fatherland.

The commemoration ended with the deposition of a crown at the War Memorial where soldiers were remembered who, during the 21 years of mandate that make KFOR the longest lasting mission under NATO aegis, sacrificed their life to guarantee peace. Just a few days ago, on June 12th, the anniversary of the entry of the first NATO troops, decisive for the peace and stability of the region, since then firmly maintained thanks to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 which continues to to guarantee security and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.