The Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai commemorated 4 November, Italian National Unity and Armed Forces Day, paying tribute to Italian servicemen who lost their lives and honouring their memory at the Sewri Military Cemetery in Mumbai.
During the ceremony, the Consul General of Italy, Walter Ferrara, laid floral wreaths in remembrance of the Italian soldiers who lost their lives while held in captivity in India during the Second World War. A Holy Mass, celebrated in Italian by Father Edcarlos, accompanied this solemn occasion of remembrance and reflection.
In 1941, approximately 10,000 Italian servicemen were deported to India and interned in prisoner-of-war camps. Around 800 never returned home.
Behind these numbers were men, sons, fathers and husbands, whose lives were shaped by war and separation from their homeland. Their memory also recalls the acts of humanity, solidarity and dignity that endured even under the difficult conditions of captivity.
The 4 November commemoration provides an opportunity for reflection on the values of sacrifice, service to the nation and peace. Remembering those who lost their lives means preserving the memory of history and reaffirming the importance of freedom, solidarity and humanity.
