I was fortunate enough to be able to make it to the school just in time to see
The Bersaglieri Italian Marching Band who performed at Jefferson School this morning in the back playground.A little background on the Bersaglieri:on June 18, 1836, Alessandro Ferrero della Marmora (commonly known as "La Marmora") had succeded in founding the Bersaglieri Corps. His first proposal, made in 1831, for the creation of a special Corps of "light" infantry troopers to be organized in a certain number of snipers companies had been rejected but, finally, his "Proposition" of 1835 was approved by the King Carlo Alberto. La Marmora, then a Major of the Grenadier Guards Regiment, was given the opportunity to put in practice all the innovative ideas he had developed about the requirements of a modern army. The condition of the infantry of the time, common to almost all the armies, was a static one, as summarized by La Marmora himself : "the soldier does not know how to shoot, march or manoeuvre".His idea was to create a Corps of "special troops" that was dynamic, flexible, fast and skilled. For these soldiers he had designed a "package" consisting of hard training, modern weaponry and adequate equipment.
The Bersaglieri had been personally selected by La Marmora, mainly from the youth of the Piedmontese countryside and the Alpine valleys. They were sturdy, willing to undergo rigorous physical exercise, never applied before; they were also intelligent, and so capable of taking initiative, as well as honest and therefore fully reliable.
| These and other requisites were well symbolized by the dark uniform, with its unconventional rakish plumed hat and the stirring trumpet fanfare which accompanied their brisk double. The Bersagliere was born : a challenge to traditional precepts, a new soldier for a new Italy. A soldier who, after more than 160 years, is still considered to be the most genuine, dynamic and generous expression of the Italian people. |
..in Italy Carlo Alberto, almost spurred by the role assigned to him in the "Preeminence of the Italians" by Abbot Gioberti, became vehicle of popular hopes in 1848 when he granted a Constitution and turned the Milan upraising (the "Cinque Giornate") into a war against Austria for the national liberation.
This event marked the start of the period known as Risorgimento.
It was also the baptism of fire for the Bersaglieri Corps. On April 8, 1848, the 2nd Company, led by La Marmora, was preparing to cross the Mincio river over the partially destroyed Goito bridge. On the opposite bank the Tyrolean light infantry were holding their position under a heavy artillery fire coverage. La Marmora, although seriously wounded in the jaw, could see his Bersaglieri rush forward, cross the bridge and rout the enemy.
During the following years, the Italian Risorgimento was always supported by the Bersaglieri, whose Corps was progressively increased and reinforced : ten batallions in 1852, twenty-seven in 1860, thirty-six in 1861 and fifty in 1866.
They always were at the forefront of every campaign during the struggle for unity and national independence, which was concluded in 1870 with the conquest of Rome.
It was a wonderful event and the Bersaglieri were so much fun. The kids seemed to have enjoyed the performance today as well as the parents and staff. We couldn't have asked for better weather, warm, sunny and perfect for outdoor Italian musica!
Just wanted to share!
