31st July: 70th anniversary of K2 conquest by Ardito Desio

Seventy years ago, on 31 July 1954, an Italian mountaineering expedition, led by Ardito Desio and sponsored by the Italian Alpine Club, reached the summit of K2, the second highest mountain in the world.

The news reached Italy at the beginning of August and on 7 August the President of the Republic Luigi Einaudi sent Ardito Desio this message:

‘I received the telegram announcing the participation in the victory achieved on 31 July and assurances of the excellent state of health of the climbers, who, gathered at base camp, shouted ‘Viva l'Italia’, a triumphant cry which I am proud to join in the name of all Italians, ideally contemplating the tricolour shining victoriously on the sublime summit conquered by the intrepid valour of the new discoverers. Please express to the members of the expedition the moved jubilation of all Italians for the legendary feat’.

The following year, on 10 March 1955, Einaudi welcomed all 30 members of the expedition at the Quirinale.