This morning, the Municipality of Velletri celebrated April 25th, Liberation Day, with a solemn ceremony in Piazza Garibaldi. Mayor Ascanio Cascella laid a laurel wreath at the War Memorial, honoring the victims of the world wars and celebrating April 25th as a national holiday.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Executive, the City Council, civil, military and religious authorities, as well as representatives of the fighting and weapons associations and of the Civil Protection and a large representation of the ANPI of Velletri. Mayor Cascella gave a touching speech to commemorate the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom and democracy.
In his speech, the First Citizen of Veliterna underlined the historical importance of 25 April 1945, defining it “a fundamental step in the history of Italy”. He recalled that Liberation Day is a symbol of hope and rebirth, celebrating the courage and determination of those who fought for freedom and against tyrannies.
The mayor also reiterated how April 25 marks the end of the Second World War, the twenty years of fascism and the Jewish persecutions, recognizing that there were tragic events such as summary executions and forced exoduses of thousands of Italians. He highlighted how from that historical moment the democratic values emerged which led to the birth of the Italian Republic, with the referendum of 2 June 1946, and the approval of the Constitution in 1947.
The Mayor’s speech recalled the need to constantly reflect on the importance of freedom and democracy. He referred to President Einaudi’s warning for a better future through the strengthening of democratic institutions and the condemnation of every form of totalitarianism. Mayor Cascella also launched an appeal for Liberation Day to be a moment of unity, without divisions, underlining the importance of rejecting hatred and discrimination.
Velletri celebrated Liberation Day: the ceremony on April 25th at the War Memorial (PHOTO)
The ceremony concluded with a message of hope and commitment to building an inclusive society that respects everyone’s rights. The mayor recalled that the sacrifice for freedom must never be forgotten and that April 25th is a day of celebration for all Italians.
This morning’s event in Velletri was a reminder to keep the values of democracy alive and to continue to fight against all forms of tyranny. A moment of reflection and unity to build a more just and peaceful future.
The full speech by the Mayor of Velletri Ascanio Cascella
“25 April 1945 is certainly a fundamental step in the history of Italy, we celebrate Liberation Day, a symbol of hope and rebirth, in living memory of the courage, determination and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom and for the values of democracy. It is the date that marks the turning point for Italy: the end of the Second World War, of the twenty years of fascism, of the Nazi occupation and of the Jewish persecutions, even if, unfortunately, the drive of divisive hatred that led to the numerous executions continued summary and the dramatic exodus of thousands of Italians.
The affirmation of democratic values, lost with fascism, began through the path that led first to the referendum of 2 June 1946 which established the birth of the Italian Republic, then, on 22 December 1947, to the approval by the constituent assembly of the constitutional charter. It is no coincidence that Article 1 states that “Italy is a democratic Republic, founded on work. Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercises it in the forms and limits of the Constitution”. Precisely that feeling of democracy, conquered with blood, must lead us, not only today, to reflect carefully on the importance of freedom and the principles that constitute its foundation, constantly committing ourselves to the protection of civil rights, equality and peace, rejecting every form of intolerance, discrimination, hatred.
President Einaudi expressed himself in this sense, hoping for “… a better future guaranteed by the constant strengthening of its democratic institutions and perennial safety from all servitude and tyranny”.
The condemnation of every form of totalitarianism must therefore hinge on common sentiment and constitute an element of cohesion between people, remembering however that the tragic memory of the sacrifice offered for democracy must not sanction the rekindling of hatred and division, otherwise that sacrifice would have been in vain . On this day of celebration for Italy, I would like to express an affectionate thought of solidarity towards all those populations still victims of totalitarianism and war conflicts, wishing them a liberation celebration soon.
Let us therefore look to the future, commit ourselves to being vigilant guardians of democratic principles and to build a more inclusive and respectful society of everyone’s rights, starting from a day, like today, which cannot and must not have a divisive flavour, circumscribing it by color politicians. Let us remember the sacrifice for today’s freedom, so that it may be a warning in our days of undisputed respect for every form of constitutionally guaranteed freedom and condemnation of any form of totalitarianism and dictatorship. Let us therefore celebrate the principles underlying our system, so that they are generally shared and constantly affirmed as a pillar of the political future of Italy, of Europe and, we hope, of all nations”.
Velletri celebrated Liberation Day: the ceremony on April 25th at the War Memorial (PHOTO)
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