To the Legionaries of Fiume
By Benito Mussolini
I was reluctant to speak, because I was not sure whether you would have willingly listened to a speech.
(Unanimous cries of "Speak! Speak!" interrupt Mussolini).
My reluctance was also due to the fact that all of you have already had the enviable honour of having heard some of the most beautiful speeches to have ever been spoken in the Italian language.
The March on Ronchi marks one of the most glorious pages of our history. You have had the honour of participating in it and building a new history through your work and your faith. The March on Ronchi is the symbol of Italy's victorious spirit.
The new borders of Italy were conquered by virtue of your work and the wonderfully daring courage of your Commander. Italy has its borders at Monte Nevoso in the Julian Alps thanks to you. It is also thanks to you that Italy won its future right over the Adriatic and all of Dalmatia, from Zara to Cattaro. (Thunderous applause).
Now we will not resort to seductive words. You are perfectly conscious and aware of which political group you gravitate towards. The Fascists were the only ones to defend you, but we do not intend to hold you to any obligations towards us.
We say only this: that you perpetually keep alive that beautiful ideal which thus far has supplied you with all your heroism and faith.
Only through this spirit can Italy reach its true greatness and become once again worthy of its great past and its recent victory, the dominant power in the Mediterranean, a beacon of civilization for all peoples.
For Italy, for Commander d'Annunzio, now and forever: Eia, eia, alala!
