The monument is situated at the entrance of one of the Hospital's internal buildings. It is a marble plaque with bas-reliefs in the upper part (two downward pointing swords either side of the coat of arms of Lucca and the Misericordia) and lower part (strip with war helmet surrounded by arboreal elements). The middle features the dedicatory epigraph.
The sculptor, Francesco Petroni is the author of many other works, such as the Faro della Vittoria (Victory Lighthouse).
Details:
- The solemn celebration of the VIIth anniversary of the Victory, in "L'Intrepido" 5th November 1925.
The plaque was inaugurated as part of the official ceremonies of 4th November 1925. It commemorates the employees of the Royal Hospitals of Lucca such as the Civil Hospital and Military Hospital of S. Nicolao. These hospitals treated many of the soldiers that were passing or returning from the front. Those who died during their stay – including those not from Lucca – were temporarily buried at the Lucca Urban Cemetery, while awaiting transfer to their different places of origin.
Petroni, Francesco
Royal Hospital of Lucca
4th November 1925
Caduti nella guerra di redenzione 1915 1918
fra candidi pietosi silenzi qui fu lenita ogni pena
vincendo sul male l'amore
lassù tra fragor di tempesta carità fu chiamata eroismo
e lo strazio fu cinto d'alloro
trasvolan gli eroi sull'ala del bene
benedicendo alla patria libera e grande
nella profonda serena umanità
(firma scultore)
Translation: [List of names] Fallen in the war of redemption 1915 1918 between innocent pitiful silences here every pain was cured and love won over harm up there in the roar of the tempest charity was called heroism and torment was crowned with laurel but the heroes fly on the wing of good blessing their great and free homeland in the profound serene humanity (sculptor's signature)