As every year, Longarone and the nearby municipalities remembered the anniversary of the Vajont tragedy with intensity—this time marking the 61st anniversary of the event that on October 9, 1963, destroyed entire towns and their communities, claiming almost two thousand lives.
The theme 
The Remembrance suffers, prays and reflects but does not forget was the dominant theme in the ceremonies and in the words that accompanied them this year. A remembrance that continues to warn us about respect for individuals and life, free from abuses driven by interests, profit, negligence due to superficiality or arrogance, and about the respect for the environment to prevent such tragic events from recurring (with concern, the potential construction of an artificial reservoir in a nearby at-risk area was mentioned).
Yet, even after 61 years, it is also remembered that the theme of mourning and suffering intertwines inseparably with that of solidarity. This was particularly emphasized by the mayor of Longarone during the ceremony at the cemetery for the victims: here, solidarity was expressed by the rescuers who were there in the early hours of that anguished night and continued their efforts for days, through countless acts of assistance, support, participation, and affection.
We remember the hundreds of benefactors, organizations, and individuals from every place who generously offered their aid to the survivors. Such solidarity in rescue efforts and support (as well as in the work of institutions) served as a driving force for the redemption and reconstruction—both physical and moral—of the affected communities. Thus, the tragedy of Vajont remains an example of how great harm can lead to great good. Even today, after 61 years, the affected communities feel the hearts of those who do not forget and who participate by visiting the "places of Remembrance" in respectful pilgrimage.
Let us also remember the municipalities that stood by us then and now, in a brotherly embrace: Bagni di Lucca, Casamicciola d’Ischia, Tesero, Tavarnelle, Caerano San Marco, and others, along with Fossalta di Piave, which was struck by the waters of the Piave on October 9 of this year.
But this 61st anniversary has reinforced another important aspect regarding the remembrance of Vajont: how it is being happily passed down by the survivors (less due to the passage of time), to the new generations who are embracing and internalizing it with conviction and passion, preserving it for those to come. This has long been the case with the young "remembrance informants," but this year it was particularly highlighted by the passing of the baton—from the survivors to the youth—in leading emblematic "Remembrance" institutions, such as the Associazione dei Superstiti, which has rightly been named "The Future of Remembrance ".
Yes, there is a future for Remembrance in this transition as well. The significant ceremony held in the amphitheater of the Longarone church (dedicated to the victims) concluded the events of October 9; it was also marked at 10:39 p.m. by the solemn tolling of the bell from the old church. This showed a true and moving aspect, featuring children with their voices of sorrow and hope.