On Saturday, January 7, the 226th anniversary of "National Flag Day," a symbol of the Italian country, was celebrated. On January 7, 1797, the representatives of Bologna, Ferrara, Modena, and Reggio Emilia raised the first red, white, and green Tricolor with horizontal stripes, the flag of their union, announcing the Constitution of the Cispadane Republic. In a statement, President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella emphasized that "under these colors, with these passions, our predecessors battled in the following decades to achieve the unity of Italy," which was achieved in 1861. "Under this flag the accomplishments of the Renaissance were achieved". "The Tricolor reflects the resolve of a democratic State, open to international cooperation and close to citizens, which seeks, in first place in favor of young people, the finest circumstances for the building of the future, in a climate of peace, justice, and social cohesion," said Mattarella of the Italian flag as a symbol of the country's civic fervor. Also, according to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, "around the world, the Tricolor symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice and the capacity to dedicate oneself to others of our troops engaged in peace missions. It is the flag that our diplomats raise high in the defense of the national interest. It is the colors that our compatriots abroad carry in their hearts and incorporate into all they do".