Abstract

In 2022, the Italian Parliament decreed the institution of the National Day of Alpinis’ memory and sacrifice. The new public holiday was set on January 26 of each year: the date commemorates the battle of Nikolajewka, fought in Russia on January 26, 1943 in the context of the nazi-fascist aggression against the Soviet Union. The choice of this date has raised doubts and protests, because it appears to be an endorsement of the fascist war in Russia. The article aims to explain how and why this date was chosen, and how it can affect the Italian public discourse on WWII and its memory.