(Washington, November 6th) With a mass in Italian at Holy Rosary Church in Washington to commemorate fallen soldiers, yesterday marked the start of celebrations for Italy’s National Unity and Armed Forces Day. The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, the Italian Military Attaché, General Maurizio Cantiello, and representatives of the Italian and Italian-American community in the capital.
Ambassador Zappia, echoing the message of the President of the Italian Republic for November 4th, highlighted, among other things, how the Italian Armed Forces “support the safeguarding of our free institutions and Italy’s vocation to live in peace.” She also emphasized their contribution to international peace missions of the United Nations, European Union, and NATO. In commemorating the fallen soldiers, Ambassador Zappia specifically mentioned that November 12th will mark the 20th anniversary of the Nasiriyah Massacre in Iraq, in which 28 people lost their lives, including 19 Italian military personnel from the Carabinieri and Army. She concluded by expressing thoughts for the units of the Armed Forces and all Italian public servants in the United States, appreciating their contribution to strengthening the bond between our two countries.
Celebrations for National Unity and Armed Forces Day in Washington will continue on November 7th with a flag-raising ceremony and an evening reception at the Italian Embassy, open to representatives of the U.S. administration, political and business figures, and the diplomatic community.
