"Celebrating the 68th anniversary of the birth of the Italian Republic recalls the values of our identity and of a far-sighted and wise Constitution, the fruit of the extraordinary rebirth that began with the Liberation struggle". Thus the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in the message sent to the Chief of Defense Staff, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, on the occasion of Republic Day, which was celebrated yesterday. "Independence and freedom are conquests that must be defended every day, in communion of purpose and with the ability to cooperate for the common good," Mattarella continued. "The Fathers of the Fatherland were aware of the risks and limits of closure in national spheres and dreamed of an Italy open to Europe, close to the peoples everywhere in the world who were fighting for their freedoms. Our contribution - and in it of the Armed Forces - to the cause of international peace and stability is more valuable than ever in today's situation characterized by devastation and aggression against civilian populations in Europe and the Middle East". "The Republic is grateful to the women and men of the Armed Forces for the tasks they have performed in the demanding operational theaters where they are called to operate, within the framework of the missions of the United Nations, those resulting from solidarity among the countries of the Atlantic Alliance, and the decisions to which we have contributed in the European Union," he added. "The guarantee of civil coexistence, development and the pursuit of international justice know that they can count on the framework of security offered by the Armed Forces. In remembering those who have lost their lives in defense of the values of our community, I address my deferential thoughts to the fallen who have contributed to making Italy a united country and a free and democratic nation". "On this day of celebration may all members of the Armed Forces receive the appreciation of the Italian people for their service and the most cordial good wishes. Long live the Republic, long live the Armed Forces," the Head of State concluded. (Photo by Quirinale.it)
|