La Russa at the Redipuglia military shrine for November 4th

The President of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa, participated today in the ceremony of honoring the fallen at the Redipuglia military memorial (Gorizia) on the occasion of the celebrations of 4 November. A solemn moment, explains the Army, "to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for Italy and to recognize the daily commitment of women and men in uniform serving the country".

Also present with La Russa were the Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani, and the deputy commander for the Combat Forces, Army Corps General Francesco Bruno.

After the rendering of honours, La Russa, welcomed by the applause of the public, walked the heroic route to the chapel of the Duke of Aosta, where a laurel wreath was placed and a minute's silence was observed. Reaching the ceremony area, the President of the Senate then greeted the students and sang the Mameli Hymn with them.

Taking the floor, Ciriani remembered "our four soldiers who lost their lives a few days ago in the tragic accident in Bosnia" and underlined that "national unity is a commitment that is renewed every day. It is built by respecting the institutions, recognizing what unites us even when opinions divide us and understanding that everyone's freedom finds strength in everyone's responsibility". Defense, he added, "is not an end in itself. It is, first of all, the protection of our nation, of our democratic institutions, of the freedom of citizens. For this reason we need armed forces that are prepared, modern and equipped with adequate means. Not to fuel wars, but to protect Italy and contribute, together with our allies, to international security and stability".

At the ceremony, organized by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Army Military Command, all the armed forces were represented.