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"La Leggenda del Piave" is an Italian patriotic song written by E. A. Mario after the Battle of the Piave River in June 1918. In September 1943 the future king of Italy Umberto II chose it as the new national anthem. It remained the official anthem of Italy until October 1946, when the new Italian Republic selected "Il Canto degli Italiani" in its stead. Today, the song is popular in Italy and played by a military band on National Unity and Armed Forces Day (November 4th).
Contents
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The song is divided in four parts and presents a brief history of the Italian front during World War I.
- The march of the Italian army in May 1915 from Veneto to the frontline.
- The Italian defeat at Caporetto.
- The resistance along the Piave river.
- The final battle and the victory.
Impact
In the years following World War I the song became an anthem dedicated to the resistance during the war.
E. A. Mario refused to gain money from La leggenda del Piave. In November 1941 he donated his and his wife's wedding rings, and the first 100 gold medals he received as a tribute for this song by the towns along the river Piave, war veterans' associations, and private citizens to the "Gold for the Fatherland" initiative.
La Leggenda del Piave was one of the candidates to become the anthem of the new Italian Republic. Il Canto degli Italiani was chosen instead.
Today La Leggenda del Piave is still widely popular, and the song is commonly played during official ceremonies to remember the fallen and the final victory.