The city of Udine proudly hosted the parade of the legendary “Bersaglieri”, the special motorized unit of the Italian army that was formed way back 18 June 1836 to serve in the Piedmontese Army, later to become the Royal Italian Army. They have always been a high-mobility light infantry unit, and can still be recognized by the distinctive wide brimmed hats that they wear (only in dress uniform in modern times).  The characteristic of the Bersaglieri is that their combat helmets are adorned with long black rooster feathers. Another famous trait is that they’re one of the few military marching bands around that actually play brass instruments while running or riding a bicycle (indeed no easy feat to do!) instead of simply marching.

The First Company marched through Turin with the rapid, high-stepping gait (130 paces/minute) still used by the Bersaglieri in World War II and later. The modern Bersaglieri still run both on parade and even during barracks duty - on penalty of punishment if they do not. 

Italy’s Bersaglieri regiments were expanded to three battalions each during the Second World War. However, the Army resisted any temptation to dilute their quality, and recruits continued to be of above-average size and stamina. They endured intense physical training, just as their great-grandfathers had, as well as having to qualify as marksmen.

The Bersaglieri fought in southern France and Greece in 1940. The first Bersaglieri to see combat in North Africa was the 10th Bersaglieri Regiment. They arrived in Libya in early 1941. Later, they were also deployed on the Eastern Front. The modern Bersaglieri have served, as part of the peacekeepers in the Multinational Forces in Lebanon, in Yugoslavia, in the Somali Civil Wars and were also active in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

The Udine event saw “Bersaglieri” from all walks of life and ages too with some former members well into their 70s (and also 80s) marching and running through the center of the town!