Italy marked Unification Day, the Constitution, the Anthem and the Flag on Tuesday with a ceremony in Rome. President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The ceremony took place at the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, also known as the Altar of the Homeland, one of the country’s most important national symbols. The annual commemoration is held on 17 March, marking the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in Turin on 17 March 1861, a key moment in the country’s unification process.
In a message issued for the occasion, Mattarella called on Italians to uphold the core values of the Republic.
“I invite you to uphold and implement, with consistency and foresight, the principles of freedom, justice and peace upon which the Republic is founded,” he said. He further added that these principles should continue to guide institutions and society. The president said such values remain essential to ensuring “peaceful, supportive and authentically democratic coexistence”.
Meloni also marked the occasion, expressing gratitude to those who contribute to maintaining national unity. “Thanks go to all those who contribute to making Italy a united nation,” she said.
Ceremonies and events are held across the country each year, although the day is not a public holiday.
