Page 27 - NONOSTANTE IL LUNGO TEMPO TRASCORSO…Le stragi nazifasciste nella guerra di liberazione 1943–1945

ENG After many years, the gloomy noises of war echo
again in the heart of Europe, and the world is fac-
ing many crises and conflicts that hang upon us
like the sword of Damocles, when all we really
want is to live freely and peacefully.
In such a context, we cannot exclude that our
younger generations could experience the same
past mistakes: this is why we should not avoid
war, but instead organise ourselves and get ready
to confront it. In this situation, when people are
blissfully busy with their everyday life, it is useful
to reflect upon the horrors of the past in order
to prevent unpreparedness, should they come
back again.
Unfortunately, I am firmly convinced that we
still haven’t totally controlled mankind’s selfish-
ness, its survival instinct and abuse of power, its
being “homo homini lupus”, despite our deeply
civilised shell.
At the same time, however, I am confident
that intelligence can take over instincts, in order
to reaffirm mankind’s free will: living like savages
or heavenly elevating our spirits.
Our dignity does not consist in being, but in
transforming ourselves. Amongst the values that
characterise mankind, dignity is what qualifies
us as human beings and not animals. Our soul’s
protective shelter, strengthened by intellect and
reason, but also by liberty and commitment.
This is the reason why I chose to support
Marco De Paolis’ exhibition, and his effort to ex-
plain the nazifascist crimes, because memory
alone sometimes is not enough to stop repeat-
ing the same mistakes. My thoughts are with all
those men and women who served their Country
and their virtuous actions that contributed to op-
posing the brutal actions of dishonoured men.

GENERAL

ENZO

VECCIARELLI

formerly Chief
of Defence Staff

STORIA GIUSTIZIA MEMORIA HISTORY JUSTICE MEMORY 27

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