At the Fallen for Freedom are two works by the local sculptor Marcello Sgattoni, created in different eras, placed in a small garden sheltered by a hedge. It is dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for Italy during the Resistance. And they symbolize the longing for freedom which inspired many young people who fought and gave their lives. In particular, it commemorates the liberation of the city of San Benedetto del Tronto from Nazi-Fascist oppression occurred during the night between 18 and 19 June 1944.
The meaning of the two works dedicated to those who fell for freedom
The first work consists of a block of rough travertine on which the phrase “To those who fell for freedom” from which they depart several chains that tie pigeons to the ground in the act of taking flightThe second, more recently installed, represents the tree of Life with a mother's face to which many small children cling, sucking lifeblood from her breasts. Below, the phrase "The sacrifice of the martyrs quenches the thirst of the people”. The entire work was conceived not as a monument to something or someone, but as a sort of mausoleum.
The author of the monument to the Fallen for Freedom recounts his hardships.
Marcello Sgattoni Since he was a child, he has followed an innate calling to art. As he likes to say, the true Academy for him was the street and natureAt twenty-five, he decided to move to Milan. Here, in particular, he came into contact with the artistic circles of the metropolis. But Sgattoni felt the need to isolate himself. Thus began a slow but steady detachment from official art manifestations. And he began to use new materials, the so-called poor materials. Marcello Sgattoni is also the author of the monument dedicated to General Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, created for the Municipality of San Benedetto. Also worth mentioning are two other important works of his in the city, strongly linked to art. Namely, the House of the Wind e the Pietraia Museum of Poets which collect almost fifty years of his artistic activity.
Monument to the Fallen for Freedom: a project to reconstruct the city's memory
Thousands of soldiers fought to free us from the Nazis. Some of them, like the Polish Wladyslaw Welke, a soldier during the Second World War, and a full citizen of San Benedetto since then. Just like an English soldier in Italy, Harry Shindler, who also moved permanently to San Benedetto, awarded the honorary citizenshipThe monuments to those who fell for freedom aim to keep alive the memory of the events that mark our identity as citizens of San Benedetto and Italians. In short, the heavy price paid to gain freedom and commemorate all those citizens who lost their lives. for the democratic rebirth of San Benedetto del Tronto.
Thanks for the cover image: Patrizia Cicconi
