In the Memorial Day honouring fallen
military personnel and civilians operating in international
peace missions on Tuesday President Sergio Mattarella paid
homage to those who died for Italy, peace and international
cooperation.
"The thought goes to those who, animated by a deep sense of
duty, devotion and courage, gave their lives for Italy and the
values of peace and international cooperation", said the
president.
And Mattarella paid homage to the 19 Italians who died on
November 12, 2003 in the attack on an Italian base in Nassiriya,
southern Iraq.
He honoured the memory of the Italians who lost their lives "in
that horrible act of violence, together with the Iraqis who
shared the same tragic fate, and with them, that of all the
fallen in international missions".
The suicide attack killed 28 people, including the 19 Italians -
12 Carabinieri officers, five soldiers and two civilians.
Premier Giorgia Meloni also paid homage to the Italian victims
of Nassiriya, describing it as "a terrible attack that will
always remain etched on our memory".
"In this day of remembrance and commotion, our gratitude goes to
those who sacrificed life while fulfilling their duty, together
with the gratitude of the entire Italian government, first of
all mine, to the women and men of the armed forces who, also
deployed in the most difficult areas, operate every day to build
peace with dedication, a deep sense of humanity and love of
country.
"Italy doesn't forget", said Meloni.
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