From the Armed Forces to Mayors. On 2 June 1946 the institutional referendum was held with which the Italians determined the form of state to give to our country after the Second World War and the defeat of Fascism. 54,3% of citizens chose the Republic, forcing Umberto II to leave Italy to go to Cascais.
Seventy years have passed and, as per tradition, the birthday of the Italian Republic is celebrated on 2 June. This year, however, the celebrations will be characterized by an important novelty whose purpose is to underline the true spirit of the celebration: a celebration for all Italians. For this reason, the Ministry of Defense, the Quirinale and Palazzo Chigi have decided to launch a small revolution. To open the parade that will parade on via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome will not be the Armed Forces, but four hundred Italian mayors, representing the over eight thousand municipalities present on the national territory, selected from all the first citizens who have joined the invitation of the Anci .
«In the parade - explained the Minister of Defense, Roberta Pinotti - it is the Armed Forces and the other bodies of the State that celebrate the Republic and not, as has sometimes been implied, the Republic that exhibits, celebrates and honors the Forces armies". The choice aims to underline the birth of a "renewed democratic awareness", continued the defense attorney.
An absolute novelty that will overshadow the military connotation of the celebration in favor of a national character.
However, it will not be Piero Fassino, mayor of Turin and number one of the Anci, who will lead the parade, but Enzo Bianco, mayor of Catania and president of the "little parliament". The first is engaged in an electoral campaign in view of the administrative elections of 5 June.
As far as the program is concerned, the Military Review in the presence of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and the heads of national institutions will be similar to the one seen last year.
About three thousand people will be present in via dei Fori imperiali, including soldiers and civilians. The sky of Rome will be crossed by the tricolor arrows which will carry out the traditional display, while the facades of the military buildings will be covered with green, white and red flags. A place of honor will have the Navy and the Coast Guard, at the forefront of rescuing migrants. The participation of the cuirassiers and the Sassari Brigade has been confirmed. Also present were the non-armed bodies of the state, with delegations of military athletes and the Paralympic Defense Sports Group.
