Today in Italy we celebrate the “Day of Remembrance of Military and Civilian Fallen in International Peacekeeping Missions”. On this solemn occasion, the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella sent the following message to the Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto:
(Courtesy translation). “On the Day of Remembrance of Military and Civilian Fallen in International Peace Missions, the Republic renews its moving thoughts to those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of Italy and the international community, bearing witness with courage and dedication to the value of solidarity and commitment to peace among peoples.
From the victims in Congo in 1961 to Nassiriya and up to the most recent conflicts, they have worked for the Homeland and for the cause of international solidarity, bringing aid and hope to populations oppressed by war, poverty and injustice.
Today, the world is crisscrossed by new and painful wounds: from the Sahel area to the conflict involving the entire Middle East, to the war that has been bloodying Ukrainian soil for more than three years, innocent civilian victims continue to fall.
These tragedies, fueled by hatred and opposition, risk widening, rekindling dormant conflicts and engulfing entire regions, generating instability, forms of neocolonialism and new dangers to international security.
Italy, faithful to its tradition of dialogue and cooperation, will continue to contribute with determination to international missions by making its military and civilian personnel available in crisis areas. A commitment that reflects the values enshrined in our Constitution and the deep sense of humanity that animates our national community.
Military and civilian personnel engaged today in conflict zones know that they can count on the support and affection of Italians.
To them, and to the memory of those who have given their lives for the common good, goes the gratitude of the Republic.”
