Italians, students and migrants marched on Lampedusa on Tuesday in memory of the victims of the shipwreck off the Sicilian Island on October 3, 2013, in which 368 migrants died. The initative coincided with the national day of remembrance for victims of migration, introduced in Italy two years ago in memory of that tragedy.
A march in the far reaches of Europe
The march began in Piazza Castello and ended at the Gateway to Europe, a monument dedicated to migrants. Italian Senate Speaker Pietro Grasso and Education Minister Valeria Fedeli took part in the march together with the mayor of Lampedusa, Totò Martello. "It is moving to be in the places that constitute the end of Europe, the frontier marking principles and values that our founding fathers attained with this Union," Grasso said. "And there is also the gateway to Europe, the first sign seen by those who approach our coasts in the hope of a better future. They are fleeing from poverty, war, hunger, lack of rights. Those fundamental rights recognised by our Constitution."
"Rest in peace"
Survivors of the shipwreck also returned to the island for the occasion. "May all those who didn't make it rest in peace," said a young survivor on arriving at the Gateway to Europe. "We know what happens, it is really very dangerous and difficult. We are witnesses, we have seen many things," he added, addressing his fellow migrants still in Libya.