Our Republic turns 78. Today will be a day full of institutional events for the celebrations of June 2. In the morning Sergio Mattarella – together with the high officials of the State – he placed a laurel wreath at the Altare della Patria, on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Frecce Tricolori show accompanied the ceremony. Also present in Piazza Venezia were the Prime Minister Meloni, the President of the Senate La Russa, the President of the Chamber Fontana and the Minister of Defense Crosetto.
Then the head of state, on the historic Lancia Flaminia, reached the Imperial Forums to witness the Military parade. Minister Crosetto was also with him. Upon arrival there was applause from the stands. Claudio Baglioni – accompanied by the joint defense band – sang the national anthem at the Imperial Forum, in front of the presidential gallery of the institutions. In the afternoon, the opening of the Quirinale Gardens to the public, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, will be reserved for the vulnerable sections of the population involved by invitation. The Banda Anbima delle Marche, the Campania and Pugliese Feniarco Youth Choir and the Banda Interforze will perform.
Mattarella’s message
“Independence and freedom are achievements that must be defended every day, in communion of intent and with the ability to cooperate for the common good“. With these words Sergio Mattarella put down in black and white the message sent to the Chief of Defense Staff, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. The head of state, who spoke for the celebration of the 78 years of Italian republicrecalled the values of our identity and the Constitution, “fruit of the extraordinary rebirth that started from the Liberation struggle“.
The President of the Republic underlined the role of “Fathers of the Fatherland“who dreamed of an Italy open to Europe,”close to the peoples who everywhere in the world were fighting for their freedoms“. A passage with a reference to the geopolitical situation, with the ongoing wars between Russia and Ukraine and that in the Middle East, is inevitable. In this regard, he underlined how much it is “precious” the contribution of the Armed Forces to the cause of peace and international stability.
“The Republic is grateful to the women and men of the Armed Forces for the tasks carried out in the demanding operational theaters where they are called to operate, within the missions of the United Nationsof those fruit of solidarity between the countries of theAtlantic Allianceof the decisions in which we participated within the European Union“, added Mattarella. Who turned his thoughts to the fallen who carried out a crucial task to make Italy “a united country and a free and democratic nation“. Finally, the head of state wanted to reach all members of the Armed Forces “the appreciation of the Italian people for the service performed and the warmest wishes“.
Meloni: “Celebration of our pride”
For Giorgia Meloni today is not only the day of our Republic, but also that “of our democracy, of our unity, of our pride“. The Prime Minister also underlined the value of the anniversary in light of the current historical moment: “We are in a situation in which many certainties that we had, peace for example, are in question and we need the Republic, we need the nation, we need the State to face them responsibly“.
Then Meloni, considering the upcoming European elections, took the opportunity to send another message regarding the EU: “After all, this party reminds us of the first idea of Europe, who imagined that its strength, the strength of its union, was also the specificity of national states. Perhaps we should return to that embryonic idea of Europe and the European dream“. The head of government was welcomed at the Imperial Forum by a shower of choirs shouting “Giorgia, Giorgia, Giorgia“; many asked for a selfie or a handshake.
La Russa: “The values of freedom and sovereignty are high”
For his part Ignazio La Russa invited us to reflect on the path taken by Italy, from the universal suffrage referendum to the birth of the Constitution. “Today like yesterday, we perpetuate this history, maintaining high the values of democracy, freedom and sovereignty of our homeland. Today the Tricolor flies high and proud, symbol of a nation that looks to the future with determination but also with awareness of its history and roots“said the president of the Senate.
Fontana: “Remembering the roots”
“Republic Day takes us to the roots of a 78-year history, which was born from the participation of citizens, from the hope and desire to start again, and rebuild, after the liberation from Nazi-fascism and the end of the war. The guide on this journey was, and is, the Constitution, whose 75th anniversary we celebrated last year“, were the words of Lorenzo Fontana. The President of the Chamber then underlined the need to express gratitude to those who gave their lives for freedom and democracy: “The hope is that their example can be a beacon for the new generations“.
Crosetto: “It’s time to change pace in Europe”
For Guido Crosetto the time has come to imprint in Europe”a decisive change of pace in Defense and Security policies, with a view to better integration between the Armed Forces“, to be ready and respond to geopolitical challenges.
“Thanks to the fallen we live in the free and democratic country that is Italy today. It is up to us to manage this precious legacy for the future of our children. We celebrate the Republic, proud of our commitment“, added the Defense Minister.
