The document summarizes speeches given at the launch of a book about the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) that fought in Italy during World War II. The Ambassador of Brazil introduces the book and highlights how the FEB, consisting of around 25,000 Brazilian soldiers, helped liberate numerous Italian cities from Axis forces. He also notes that the friendship between Brazil and Italy was strengthened by Brazil's participation in the war. The Sub-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Italy then thanks Brazil for its efforts during the war and remembers how Brazilian soldiers fought bravely in tough conditions. He discusses how both countries have contributed to each other's development and hopes that the partnership between them continues.

1. Words from the Ambassador of Brazil, Mr. Ricardo Neiva Tavares, on the
occasion of the launch of the book “The Campaign of the Brazilian
Expeditionary Force for the Liberation of Italy” at the Brazilian Embassy in
the city of Rome, 15 October 2014.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is for me a great satisfaction to present at the Brazilian Embassy the book
of Dr. Durval de Noronha Goyos Junior, a study about the campaign of the
Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) for the liberation of Italy during the
Second World War. The memory of this episode is only strengthened by the
launching of a book as interesting as this, just as we celebrate 70 years of
the arrival of the FEB at the port of Napoli.
With this initiative, the Brazilian Embassy seeks to preserve the historical
memory and broaden the Italian public’s knowledge as to the participation
of Brazil in the Second World War. In fact, except for the regions in which the
Brazilian Army fought, this participation is still very little known in Italy.
Nevertheless, at the ceremonies where the Brazilian soldiers were honoured
in which I have been present as Ambassador to Italy, I have found myself
very impressed to see the affection that the Italians of those areas still have
today for the Brazilian “pracinhas” .
In successive stages, around 25 thousand Brazilian soldiers arrived in Italy
to combat the Axis together with the Allied forces and fighting side by side
with the Italian resistance. Many sacrificed their own lives to liberate regions
like Pistoia, Staffoli, Porretta Terme, Gaggio Montano, Pianoro, Montese,
Zocca, Castelnuovo, Coolecchio, and others.
Besides the familiar and cultural connections already consolidated due to
the Italian immigration to Brazil, the presence of the Brazilian troops in the
Italian war scenario has symbolized one of the strongest points of the
friendship between these two peoples that saw their relationship become
even stronger because of the conflict.
I thank you, Dr. Durval de Noronha Goyos Junior, for keeping alive the
memory of our valuable soldiers.

2. I will finish my speech thanking all of you for kindly being here and invite
you for a glass of wine at the galleria Cortona at the end of the presentation.
I have the pleasure now to offer the floor to the Sub-Secretario Mario Giro,
who will be followed by the Author.
Words from Mr. Mario Giro, Republic of Italy’s Sub-Secretariat of State for
Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the launch of book “The Campaign of the
Brazilian Expeditionary Force for the Liberation of Italy” at the Brazilian
Embassy in the city of Rome, 15 October 2014.
I thank you Ambassador for the invitation to present this book.
As a member of the government – but first of all as an Italian citizen – I
cannot fail to remember – and to be thankful – for the efforts that Brazil
made when sending to Italy 25 thousand soldiers of the Brazilian
Expeditionary Force – FEB – in those difficult years of our history. With its
2500 dead, Brazil has given an important contribution to liberate an area
crucial from the military point of view. It is possible to affirm that this was
not a mere symbolic contribution.
On July 1944, along with the FEB, there arrived in Italy names that would
have an important role in Brazil, such as the great intellectual and
economist Celso (Selso) Furtado, and the brilliant writer Clarisse Lispector.
Since September of the same year the Brazilian soldiers took part in a
military operation that made way for the passage of the Anglo-Americans
through the Apennines towards the Northeast. As the Ambassador
previously remembered, in Massarosa, Monte Plano, At the Serchio valley, in
Camaiore, Collecchio, Castelnuovo di Vergata and Monte Castello, the
Brazilians had to face ruthless temperatures, under 20 degrees, and they
did it with courage and dedication. It was the Brazil of Getulio Vargas, of the
Estado Novo, an era the ended in 1945. That Brazil has made a
contribution to the construction of our democratic and plural Republic. This
is a page of history of both countries that must never be forgotten.
In order to close, I must remember that Italy has given its contribution in the
construction of a new and democratic Brazil, while sheltering many Brazilian
citizens exiled during the military regime that governed Brazil for another 20
years. And it’s been a few days since the news of the Condor operation,
which had as objective the repression of political dissents.
Today, in a way still threatened by instability and wars, Italy – President at
its turn of the European Union, a reality in which we have had a protagonist
role from the beginning and that now represents the greatest area of peace

3. and democracy in the World – hopes strongly that it may continue to count
with Brazil, a natural leader, a natural giant (as the national anthem says), a
country that is exercising democracy through popular vote in this very day,
once again, with passion and vitality that are typical of the Brazilians, the
country that in the distant 1944 knew how to assume its very own
responsibility in the international scenario.