After undergoing surgery at Istituto Rizzoli, veterans in Bologna attend the Casa di Rieducazione Professionale per Mutilati e Invalidi di Guerra in Piazza Trento e Trieste. The vocational rehabilitation center offers ex-soldiers training for work that is compatible with their limited abilities. In addition to elementary and vocational schools, the institute has workshops for basket weavers, shoemakers, typists and turners. The wounded ex-soldiers use special equipment that will be given to them at the end of their course in order to continue the trade once back to everyday life. While relaxing, the disabled ex-servicemen play bowls, play the trumpet, sing in a choir and practice riding special bikes. At the gate of the Casa di Rieducazione and with suitcases in hand, the men go off into the distance with a well-wishing farewell: “Bon voyage brothers and good luck!” The pain of war is implicit in their faces and bodies, but it begins to subside with the prospect of a normal future.

Andrea Meneghelli