President Sergio Mattarella said on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino Friday that there should be "an end to weapons fie everywhere" and Cassinosent out a "message of peace to the world".
"To commemorate a tragedy, a battle as bloody as that of Cassino- which has cut into the flesh and consciences of our people and of peoples who have become our brothers - is also a call to putan end, everywhere, to the firing of weapons, to reopen a hope for peace, for the restoration of violated law, of the dignity recognized in every community", said the president.
"Cassino expresses a painful reminder of how devastating and destructive war can be, but it is also a reminder to never forget the consequences of hatred, cynicism, and the will to power manifested in the world. Cassino martyr town.
"Cassino city of peace.
"This is the strong, intense message that comes from here today.
"This is the goal to aspire to.
"This is the nature of Europe, its vocation, its identity.
"This is the lesson we must keep alive, cherish, transmit."
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