“Enemies in Life, Siblings in Death”

“What we have seen and still see in Italy is exemplary. Despite the fact that we fought as enemies in World War I, they are taking care of the graves of our soldiers as if they were their own dead. I will never forget the quotation I saw carved in stone: ‘Friends and enemies became siblings in death’”, recalled the brigadier general, who attended the event upon the invitation of Lieutenant General Massimo Scala, Commanding General of the Italian Operational Land Forces Support Command.

The defence, military and air attaché underlined that another great example of joint commemoration is the flag-raising ceremony of the Hungarian and Italian defence ministers Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky and Guido Crosetto at the joint memorial on Monte Grappa last year, to pay tribute to the soldiers killed in action. “The place of the flag was designed together with the overall renovation of the memorial. We are really grateful for the support by the Italian party”, said József Koller, PhD.

The commemoration in the Austro-Hungarian military cemetery was also attended by Professor Lajos Pintér, PhD, Honorary Consul General to Verona and advisor of the Ministry of Defence, and Gábor Kudar, assigned diplomat of the Embassy of Hungary Rome. The mayor and bishop of Verona and prefect of the district gave thanks for the participation of the Hungarians and especially for the Italian speech of the attaché at the commemoration.

Following the military ceremony, the participants visited the memorial to the victims of the tragic bus accident that occurred in Verona in 2017. “I will never forget those days when this tragic accident happened. The whole of Hungary wanted to help. Even the military was ready to help if needed”, recalled Brigadier General Koller the tragedy taking the lives of 16 children and two adults. He gave thanks to Italy and the residents of San Martino Buon Albergo for helping in everything and feeling together with the grieving parents.

“Also, I would like to give thanks to the military commanders and public dignitaries who are present, for commemorating the accident each year. According to a proverb, ‘who is remembered and not forgotten, will always stay with us’”, said József Koller, PhD.