My dear compatriots, dear friends in Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi,
Today marks the 75th anniversary of the historic referendum of 2 June 1946, which sanctioned the beginning of democracy and the Republic in Italy.
Last year, the pandemic prevented us from physically celebrating the Republic Day together. More than a year after the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccination campaigns in Italy and the rest of the world are finally giving us a glimpse of light, a glimmer of hope that we will soon emerge from the tunnel of darkness that has enveloped us all and everywhere.
However, there are still restrictions on gatherings and collective celebrations, to guarantee our safety and that of our loved ones.
It is our duty to celebrate our democracy and its values but, after months of lock-downs and sacrifices, it is not yet appropriate to indulge in celebrations, however legitimate the sentiment may be.
We cannot forget the very high tribute in terms of loss of life that Italy has had to pay. More than 125,000 compatriots have lost their lives: an entire generation of grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, the wealth and memory of our society. Our first thoughts must go to them and their families.
Allow me to thank, once again, those women and men who have served the country: as doctors, nurses, health workers and even colleagues who have all remained at their posts, often in difficult countries, to ensure the care and assistance of their compatriots.
In light of the tribute in terms of human lives paid by Italy and Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, this year I thought it was important to celebrate our roots in these countries, with a short historical documentary on some of the Italian personalities who contributed, in earlier times, to laying the first foundations of Italianism in these countries.
I wish you all a happy National Day.
Long live Italy.<\/p>\n
Video message Ambassador of Italy Uganda,Ruanda e Burundi 02\/06\/2021\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Ripartiamo dal futuro: la Farnesina celebra in tutto il mondo la Festa della Repubblica<\/a><\/p>\n