Italy marks National Unity and Armed Forces Day

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 4 - President Sergio Mattarella on Saturday laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Rome's Vittorio Emanuele Monument, otherwise known as the Altar of the Homeland, to mark National Unity and Armed Forces Day in Italy.
    "Today we celebrate National Unity Day and the Day of the Armed Forces, the expression of the people who decided with the plebiscite on a united Italy," said Mattarella in a message to Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, who was also present at the ceremony.
    "The history of the armed forces is inextricably intertwined with the will of the Italian people," he continued.
    "The Italian army, navy, air force, Carabinieri police and finance police support the safeguarding of our free institutions and Italy's vocation to live in peace, providing a harmonious and reliable response in the defence of the rights of every citizen," said Mattarella.
    "On National Unity and Armed Forces Day we honour those who have given their lives for the Fatherland," said Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on X, formerly Twitter.
    "Thanks to all who wear uniform and contribute daily to ensure security and peace in Italy and around the world," he added.
    National Unity and Armed Forces Day on November 4 marks the victory of Italy in the First World War and the completion of the process of national unification. (ANSA).