Solidarity on Wheels: Italian Scouts' Vespa Expedition to Norway
In the summer of 1949, as Europe was recuperating from the aftermath of the Second World War, a group of Italian Scouts from Lombardy embarked on an uncommon journey. These Scouts, who had remained hidden during the fascist regime, set their sights on the World Rover Moot, an international gathering that brought together over 2,500 Scouts aged 16-24. The event, held from August 1-11 in Skjak, Norway, became the destination of a peace mission that would leave a mark on their history.
Thanks to an agreement with Larian Moto Guzzi, the Scouts secured a loan of 25 65cc “Guzzini” motorcycles. Departing from the courtyard of the Rocchetta in Sforza Castle, Milan, they traversed the streets of Europe to Skjak at the North Cape, carrying a message of peace. Their mission aimed to draw attention to the plight of children who were injured, mutilated, or orphaned during the conflict. This expedition was named "La Freccia Rossa" (The Red Arrow of Solidarity).
Seventy-five years later, from July 22 to August 2, 2024, Norway is set to host a major educational event for Scouts and Guides aged 16-22, known as Roverway. In a homage to the 1949 journey, a new generation of Italian Scouts will recreate this historic expedition, this time riding Vespa scooters.
With over 20 young Scouts from Italy, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Chad, and Lebanon, and 20 Vespa motorbikes provided by Piaggio, this contemporary expedition aims to retrace the historic route, crossing significant landmarks of civil society, institutions, and culture. Their final destination of the trip is Stavanger, Norway where they will join the Roverway and present their experiences, highlighting a new message focused on unaccompanied minors.
The expedition begins on July 19, with 20 red Vespas departing from Sforza Castle to reach their first stop, the Kandersteg International Scout Centre. Along the way, the Scouts will engage with key European institutions. In Strasbourg, they will meet with members of the Council of Europe, the European Commission, and the European Parliament to discuss the critical issue of unaccompanied minors.
They are the ones who cross borders with sore feet after years of long journeys, endless attempts to cross borders, hunted and persecuted. Their presence will shine small streams of light on their lives and they will be precious witnesses who, once they return to their countries of origin, will help their peers understand what awaits them.
Roberto Cociancich
Leader of the Expedition
Significant stops include Schengen, Waterloo, Brussels, and the International Court of Justice in The Hague, symbolising the recognition of human rights.
“I believe that today there is the urgency to do bold acts to draw attention to the tragedies of contemporary life,” Cociancich remarked. Leading the expedition alongside a team of Scouts, Cociancich emphasised the expedition's mission against dehumanisation.
The 2024 expedition seeks to honour the spirit of the original Freccia Rossa while addressing contemporary issues faced by unaccompanied minors and promoting a network of cooperation, solidarity, and reconciliation inspired by the historic journey of 1949.