To the People of Cosenza
By Benito Mussolini
Comrades, we meet at a time that joy and pride fills our hearts. Thanks to us the hammer and sickle flag was completely eliminated from the generous soil of Spain. The main merit is to Franco and his troops, but they had help from the soldiers of our glorious army and the Blackshirts. They were told not to pass, and we passed. But it is even more important to say that we will pass.
All the hopes, all the prophecies of the Left—idiotic and miserable—were dispersed by our will, our tenacity, our faith, and by Italian bayonets. Speeches may be unnecessary and harmful if not accompanied, as they are accompanied by facts. Cards or no cards of diplomacy, we do not intend to remain eternal prisoners of the Mediterranean. I feel your excitement from my words that directly affect your hearts.
Your province has the honour and the pride of having given the birth to one of the Quadrumvirs of the Revolution [Michele Bianchi] (cheers) and now his mortal remains are housed on the hills of Belmonte, facing the sea of Rome.
For fifteen years he was one of my closest companions. I could absolutely count on his virtues, which were the virtues of your land and your race: very typical Italian virtues. (The crowd cheers for a long period).
I can recall one of his phrases, which was of rare and profound eloquence: "Even when you give everything to the Fatherland, you still are not giving enough." (Vibrant cheers).
Comrades!
In every moment of your life, be Fascists, be Italians, be proud and worthy of His memory.
