Figure 1.-- Here we we a ceremony asociated with just such a destributions. We see Balilla officials passing out uniforms and clothing to some of the children at camps. A reader tells us, "The Fascist youth organization Balilla had several changes throughout its history. So also the ceremonies changed over time. I am attaching an image a Facist from a propaganda movie taken at a Balilla camp in the suburbs of Rome (July 1931). Renato Ricci, chief of the Balilla organization, is putting new clothing on a group of children from poor families attending the camp."

Italian children had to join the Fascist Balilla after Mussolini seized control of Italy. The Scouts were banned and the only youth group permitted was the Bailla. As with the Scouts, parents were expected to purchase the uniforms and equipment. Italy was a poor country, especially in the South, and we believe that not all children participated, we think mostly children from low-income familie. We are not yet sure, but we have seen some authors reporting that substantial numbers of children did not participate. Bailla officials provided uniforms and clothing to some of the children. Here we we a ceremony asociated with just such a destributions. We see Balilla officials passing out uniforms and clothing to some of the children at camps. A reader tells us, "The Fascist youth organization Balilla had several changes throughout its history. So also the ceremonies changed over time. I am attaching an image a Facist from a propaganda movie taken at a Balilla camp in the suburbs of Rome (July 1931). Renato Ricci, chief of the Balilla organization, is putting new clothing on a group of children from poor families attending the camp." We do not know if the Bailla also provided uniforms to the children participating in regular Bailla units and activities.