On the Day of National Unity, of the Constitution, of the Anthem and of the Flag, and on the occasion of the "Mazzini Days", this morning, in front of Giuseppe Mazzini's tomb, at the monumental cemetery of Staglieno, Genoa celebrated one of its most illustrious sons.
Since 2012, in fact, 17 March has been celebrated as the Day of National Unity, of the Constitution, of the Anthem and of the Flag, established as a civil holiday with law 222 of 23 November 2012, with the aim of promoting the values of citizenship and consolidating the national identity through civic memory, remembering the anniversary of the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy which took place in 1861.
The ceremony was attended by the president of the Genoa City Council Carmelo Cassibba, the Minister for Public Administration Paolo Zangrillo, the Councilor for Economic Development of the Liguria Region Alessio Piana, the councilor of the Metropolitan City of Genoa Claudio Garbarino and the president of the National Italian Mazzini Association Michele Finelli.
"It is one of the most important anniversaries, if not the most important of all, for our country - said Zangrillo -. A moment that marks the beginning of our history: the birth of the Italian State, following the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy which took place on 17 March 1861 which was followed, the following day, by the meeting of the new national parliament in Turin (at Palazzo Carignano). Even if, as we well know, historically the completion of national unification was only achieved in the following years, it was in any case in that 17 March of 1861 that a great "miracle" occurred.
"Genoa is the "city of the National Anthem" - declares the President of the Municipal Council Carmelo Cassibba - and this day of celebration today acquires an even more significant importance. The profound bond between Genoa and "The "Canto degli Italiani" is a reflection of his significant participation in the fight for the independence and unity of the country. Genoa was witness and protagonist of crucial moments in the history of the Risorgimento, contributing with its patriotic ardor to the realization of the dream of a united and free Italy.
Today we are called to reflect on all this and on what the symbols that make us a nation represent: constitution, anthem and flag.
It is an opportunity to reaffirm the indissoluble link between the city and the values of democracy which constitute the foundation of our country and our commitment to defend and promote the principles of solidarity, equality and brotherhood which are the basis of our cultural and historical heritage".
The Filarmonica Sestrese performed Mameli's anthem, while at 11am, at the end of the ceremony,
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