On the occasion of the Republic Day of Italy, a grand ceremony was traditionally held in Rome, marked by spectacular flyovers of planes and a military parade, as in previous years.
As protocol and tradition dictate, the ceremony marking the 78th anniversary of the Republic was opened by the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.
The President of Italy laid a wreath at the Altar of the Fatherland in Rome, after which he delivered a speech.
“Marking 78 years since the birth of the Republic of Italy reminds us of the values of our identity and the far-sighted and wise Constitution, which is the result of an extraordinary rebirth begun by the liberation struggle. Independence and freedom are achievements that must be defended every day,” said the President of Italy.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also delivered a speech on the occasion of the grand ceremony.
“The Armed Forces play a specific, peculiar, and unique role in the state. They defend the state, defend citizens, and defend free institutions. They have been doing so for 78 years and continue to do so. In the current, increasingly uncertain international context, our Armed Forces are also fundamental in contributing to peace where there are conflicts, wars, and tensions, and where international security has failed. Therefore, we cannot ignore everything that is happening in Ukraine, the Middle East, tensions in the Balkans, and the situation in Africa,” said Minister Guido Crosetto.
Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni also delivered a speech, greeted by applause from the citizens.
“This celebration is important at this stage when we are facing many uncertainties. There is a need for the nation, there is a need for the state to responsibly address the problems. We are in the pre-election campaign for the European Union (EU) elections, and this celebration also reminds us of the first idea of Europe. It was an idea of Europe that imagined that its strength, the strength of its union, is also the strength of the specificities of national states. Perhaps we should return to that embryo of the European idea and the European dream,” concluded Meloni.
After the opening speeches, the program continued with the national anthem performed by Italian singer Claudio Baglioni, followed by a military parade. What also characterized this parade and ceremony was the lowering of a large tricolor in the colors of the Italian flag with parachutists. According to Italian media reports, the flag weighs 450 kilograms.
After the entire protocol, the focus of the parade was again on the President of Italy, who left the “Piazza Venezia” square accompanied by cuirassiers, i.e., mounted soldiers, Klix.ba reports.
Photo: nationalday
E.Dz.
