"Faithful to his task, he generously served Italy by sacrificing his young existence". These are the words that can be read on the plaque that for two days has been on display in Solarussa in the square of Coa 'e Forru named after the Folgore corporal Matteo Mureddu, who died at the age of 26 in an attack in Afghanistan in September 2009.

The naming ceremony was promoted by the municipal administration in collaboration with the boys of the '83 military service, Matteo's friends who are celebrating their 40th birthday this year. In the front row, with eyes full of tears, father Augusto and mother Greca. But also his brother Stefano and his sister Cinzia. For them a big wound that is always open, that hurts, that doesn't go away. Impossible for all of them to forget that tragic day in which the young Matteo lost his life together with five other fellow soldiers during a peace mission, during an escort activity.

«Today is an important day», said the mayor Mario Tendas during the ceremony, «Matteo, as the President of the Republic Mattarella said in 2021 on the occasion of the awarding of the gold medal as victim of terrorism, was a paratrooper from extraordinary human and moral qualities. Exemplary military figure but also an example of sublime courage. Naming a square where there is a playground, a meeting place and light-heartedness, means keeping its memory alive and dynamic».

The square dedicated to Matteo is the one where he himself spent his childhood. During the ceremony there were many soldiers in uniform, colonels and generals representing the Sassari Brigade. Present the questore of Oristano Giuseppe Giardina and the prefect Salvatore Angieri, who placed a bouquet of flowers under the plaque.

The paratroopers of the national association of paratroopers of Italy also arrived in Solarussa for the occasion, including those from the interprovincial section of Carbonia and Iglesias named after Matteo Mureddu. Many former mayors of the country were also present.

© Riproduzione riservata