In this small, intimate square, the community of Ornica chose to honor two brothers, Carlo and Luigi Calvi, who gave their lives for their country during the 1915-18 war. They were part of an important local family, the sons of Pietro and Teresa Calvi. Pietro (1852-1921), a primary school teacher in Olmo, Averara, and for 16 years in Valtorta, also served as the mayor of Ornica for 20 years, placing great hope in his sons.
Luigi, a second-year high school student, dreamt of becoming a teacher like his father.
In 1912 he was called to arms. He served as a lieutenant in the Libyan War and returned home on January 5, 1913. When the Great War started in 1915, both Carlo and Luigi were called back to serve. Carlo was stationed in the Friulian valleys. He was seriously wounded during a fierce battle on December 7, 1915. Sadly, he did not survive. Luigi, an Alpine lieutenant, lost his life on August 23, 1917, during an assault on the enemy at Bainsizza. As the commander, he led by example in front of his men, for which he was posthumously awarded the Silver Medal of Military Valor. The community of Ornica remembers them as symbols of dedication and sacrifice for their homeland.
Italian