Mattarella: Sant’Anna di Stazzema "symbol of the abyss into which wars can fall"

“Now wars have returned to cast their shadow on our days, now the will to power and intentions of domination are reappearing, manifesting themselves in even new forms.” Thus the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in a note recalling the Nazi-fascist massacre in Sant’Anna di Stazzema.

“The Republic feels the duty to remember the innocent – women, elderly people, children – killed without any mercy in Sant’Anna and in the hamlets of Stazzema, outraging and burning their bodies, trampling on every feeling of humanity. In this civil shrine, as in other places of pain, the roots of the Republic are found”, adds the head of State.

Mattarella’s warning

“On the morning of 12 August 1944, the SS departments, with the complicity of the fascists, began the massacre. A symbol of the abyss into which wars can fall, erasing the dignity of man, making the horror of annihilation prevail”, observes Mattarella for whom “the community of Stazzema, after the pain, was able to regain trust”. With Italy and Europe which – he underlines – have redeemed with peace, freedom, democracy, with equal and universal rights, with progressive integration, the most terrible things history had produced”.

“Remember”

“Remembrance, as well as an act of responsibility, is an act of liberation that is renewed”, explains the President of the Republic. “Testimonies and consciences capable of transmitting experiences and values ​​are more precious than ever. They are capable of rejecting violence, hatred, contempt for respect for pluralism, for people’s identity”.