Eighty years had passed since June 2, 1946, a date that marked the completion of an unprecedented act of freedom by the Italian people. Through universal suffrage, women and men, voting together for the first time, chose to leave behind the ruins of war and the atrocities of an oppressive and totalitarian regime, and began rebuilding a free, democratic, and republican nation. These remarks were made by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in a message he sent to the Chief of Defence Staff, Luciano Portolano, on the occasion of Republic Day. On that anniversary, the Head of State also reflected on the international situation. He stated that the celebration was not merely a historical commemoration, but a moment of profound significance that renewed the collective commitment to affirming, safeguarding, and fully implementing the values at the core of the Constitution, described as the nation’s “common home.” He emphasized that the Constitution guaranteed the life of the national community, protected citizens’ rights, and at the same time reminded them of their duties of solidarity. Mattarella also noted that the challenges and risks affecting security and well-being had to be confronted with determination. He argued that there could be no true peace as long as sources of threat persisted, and no genuine prosperity while any part of humanity remained trapped in precarious conditions. He added that Italy, together with Europe, was committed to restoring respect for rules within the international community, overcoming a period of ongoing conflict, and building a new and effective security framework for all peoples. As part of the Republic Day celebrations, the President paid tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altar of the Fatherland. Afterwards, he proceeded to Via dei Fori Imperiali, where he attended the traditional military parade from the presidential stand. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also marked the occasion in a message posted on X. She stated that the eightieth anniversary of the Italian Republic represented not only a historic date but also the journey Italians had built together through sacrifice, courage, unity, solidarity, and commitment across generations. She added that both great historical events and, perhaps even more importantly, the small choices made every day had contributed to making Italy the extraordinary nation it had become.