ROME - On Wednesday, all of the most important Italian politicians and leaders gathered on the steps of the Vittoriano monument in Rome to celebrate the Festa della Repubblica, 75 years since Italians "chose their destiny."

  During the short ceremony, the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, was greeted by several representatives of the armed forces, and after singing the national anthem, placed a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier. The ceremony concluded with a fly-past of the Frecce Tricolore, displaying the colours of the Italian flag.

  Also present at the ceremony were the Minister of Defence, Lorenzo Guerini, Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the Presidents of the Senate and Chamber Elisabetta Casellati and Roberto Fico, the President of the Constitutional Court, Giancarlo Coraggio, the Chief of Police, Lamberto Giannini, the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Enzo Vecciarelli and the Mayor of Rome Virginia Raggi.

  In a message sent to General Enzo Vecciarelli on the occasion of the Festa della Republicca, Sergio Mattarella wrote, “75 years ago, liberty conquered, the Italian people were able, with the referendum of June 2, 1946, to choose their destiny. The vote for the Republic allowed Italy to embark on a journey of democracy, social progress and development.

  “A much awaited and fundamental historical change for all citizens sorely tried by a season of wars and dictatorship. A pact of citizenship enshrined in universal suffrage that, for the first time, included the full vote for women. All Italians together for a new Italy. Since then the process of growth and the consolidation of democracy has never stopped and has overcome terrible trials, such as the threat of terrorism.”

  He continued, “I renew, with particular emotion, the gratitude of the Italian people to all those who have sacrificed their life for Italy, and to all those families who are forced to live with an insurmountable pain.”

  This is the second year in a row that the Festa della Repubblica was not able to be celebrated to the extent that Piazza Venezia is accustomed, with a full military parade and crowds of thousands, though there were still several people gathered behind barriers in the square.

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