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.
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