Guerino Patani celebrated his 109th birthday last Friday at his home in San Benedetto del Tronto, surrounded by the love of his family and the embrace of the Carabinieri, who have always been his second family.
On this occasion, a letter signed by the General Commander of the Carabinieri arrived from Rome, a concrete token of gratitude for a life dedicated to serving the state. The Commander also made a surprise phone call that deeply moved Guerino.
"Commander, forgive me for speaking like this, I'm emotional," said the 109-year-old Guerino, to which the Commander laughed and said everything was "fine."
The Carabinieri brigadier is one of the last direct witnesses of the twentieth century, greeting all those who wished to pay tribute with clarity and grace. Friends, institutions, and police representatives gathered around him, listening to stories of a long life that encompasses Italian history and remains deeply intertwined with the life of the San Benedetto community.
His connection to the city, Italian media highlight, is truly profound and a source of pride for his family, who continue to cherish and share his memory.
On the occasion of this Carabinieri officer's 109th birthday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also spoke out, thanking him for everything he has done for the state.
"For his 109th birthday, Guerino Patani, the longest-living Italian Carabiniere, received a surprise from the police. These touching images pay tribute to a life that has become a symbol of service to the nation. My warmest wishes and gratitude to him," the Prime Minister said.