The Diplomat
On the occasion of the National Unity and Armed Forces Day in Italy, the Ambassador of the transalpine country, Riccardo Guariglia, accompanied by the Defence Attaché Simone Malvagna, yesterday laid a laurel wreath at the foot of the plaque commemorating the fallen Italians of the First World War, located in the Palace of Santa Coloma, headquarters of the Consular Chancellery of Madrid.
This plaque pays tribute to the compatriots from the cities of Madrid and Barcelona who, at the outbreak of the First World War, chose to return to Italy to take part in the conflict, sacrificing their lives. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Italian Armed Forces operating in various parts of Spain.
Ambassador Guariglia took the floor, recalling that “4 November is an important opportunity to reinforce the commitment of the Italian Armed Forces in the service of the country in the framework of organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union and NATO, and in all major crisis scenarios.”
“The Armed Forces, which have a long history that identifies with that of Italy,” continued the Italian Ambassador, “are confirmed as an instrument that tirelessly contributes to the defence and security of the Republic and to the strengthening of the important role Italy plays in the pursuit of peace and collaboration in the international context, in full compliance with the principles of our Constitution.
The Palacio de Amboage, the seat of the Italian Embassy in Madrid, was the setting for an evening reception in honour of Armed Forces Day, attended by Spanish military and civilian authorities.