BERSAGLIERI COMMANDER TO SPEAK AT THE JANUSARY 25, 2015 MEETING
Our first program of the year promises to be a really good one. We are pleased to announce that the subject of our program will be the famous Italian Army infantry corps known as the Bersaglieri and our distinguished speaker will be Major Elio Manes, who has been a Bersaglieri commander serving in Kosovo, Lebanon and Afghanistan. His topic will be “Bersaglieri, from 1836 to 2014, A Run Across Two Centuries of History.”
The Bersaglieri (marksmen in English) were formed in 1836 as a high-mobility light infantry unit famous for their 3 distinctive wide-brimmed hats decorated with black feathers and for the fast pace they keep in parades - jogging instead of marching. Certain brigades have a band called a “fanfara” whose members play their instruments at the run while on parade.
These elite troops are trained to high physical and marksmanship standards. In recent times, the Bersaglieri have served in such hotspots as Lebanon, the former Yugoslavia, Somalia and Iraq. We are sure to learn a lot about the history and traditions of these amazing soldiers from Major Manes, who was born in Naples and grew up in Formia, Italy.
He plans to explain the typical traditions of the Bersaglieri (plumed hat, fez, gloves, running), the motivations behind the foundation of this special corps of infantry, the major military campaigns from Crimea to Afghanistan, and “some popular endearing curiosities.” Major Manes began his military career as a Bersaglieri platoon leader and then a company commander. He served in the Balkans, Lebanon and Afghanistan, winning a number of awards and decorations.
He is currently the Italian Liaison Officer at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command in Fort Eustis, Virginia. Major Manes will be accompanied by Col. Rodolfo Sganga, the Military Attachè of the Embassy of Italy. We invite anyone who has the plumed hat to bring it to the meeting, as well as any photos of themselves and/or family members of loved ones wearing the Bersaglieri uniform. Prior to the presentation, lunch will be served, catered by Fontina Grille. A raffle will be conducted, with the proceeds going to the AMHS Annual Scholarship Fund.
We will also hear from one of our 2014-15 scholarship winners, Christina McGrath. New AMHS board members Ennio DiTullio, Rosina Brienza Schacknies and Ray LaVerghetta will be installed, and outgoing board members Bruno Fusco and John and Eileen Verna will be thanked for their service. Please make your reservations early and bring your family members and friends to what is sure to be a very interesting program.
CARNEVALE – FEBRUARY 14, 2015
On Saturday, February 14, 2015, AMHS will partner with the Lucchesi nel Mondo - Tuscany Club to co-host “Carnevale 2015”, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. in Casa Italiana. The theme for Carnevale is “Love Italian Style”. Could there not be a more fitting theme when Carnevale will happen to fall on Valentine’s Day! The event is open to adults and children. There will be food and drinks, a DJ, dancing, games (for adults and children), and costume prizes.
The Carnevale planning committee is hard at work finalizing the details. Official invitations will be sent to our respective memberships in early January, and a flyer to promote the event will be ready early in the New Year. So please mark your calendars, hold the date, and join us for what promises to be an evening of fun, good food and friendship. (image courtesy of loveitalianstyle.com)