Two years have passed since the shipwreck off Steccato di Cutro, but the city of Crotone, in Italy's southern region of Calabria, has not forgotten. The community continues to honor the 94 victims of the tragedy, including 35 minors, as well as the tears of the survivors and the pain of their families.

These feelings were visible at a commemoration ceremony held on February 25 on the eve of the anniversary, at the "Garden of Alì -- a memorial space established by the local municipality in honor of the youngest victim of the shipwreck. Buried in the local cemetery, Alì has become a symbolic son of the entire Crotone community.

To mark the occasion, 94 trees were planted in the garden to remember the adults, along with 35 bushes to commemorate the children who lost their lives at sea.

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'Crotone doesn't forget, will never forget' -- mayor

After a minute of silence, which Crotone Mayor Vincenzo Voce ordered all schools in the city to observe, the choir Anna Frank directed by professor Luisa Floccari performed at the ceremony. The event was attended by local authorities and members of the military, as well as by students and representatives of volunteer groups, together with several residents.

"Today we remember 94 innocent victims", said Mayor Voce.

"And in commemorating them I want to state once again that humanity must not have any political color, because it is a feeling that belongs to our people. The residents of Crotone proved it during those terrible days, when institutions, security forces, doctors, volunteers, social workers and journalists were united in this very strong and fundamental principle. Crotone does not and will not forget," he added.

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Bouquet of flowers laid at the foot of installation dedicated to victims

The sense of solidarity shown by Crotone’s residents was also emphasized by Sergio Ferrari, president of the Province of Crotone, who stated, "nobody during those days pulled back or looked the other way. The population of Crotone set a great example for Italy and the world", he said.

The prefect of Crotone, Franca Ferraro, addressed young people at the ceremony, urging them to "visit Alì's garden and, in particular, remember what happened."

At the end of the ceremony, the prefect and mayor laid a bouquet of flowers in the city's colors at the foot of the installation remembering Alì and the other victims of the shipwreck.

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