Mattarella Honors Moro; Senate Remembers Terrorism Victims

Italy solemnly commemorated the victims of terrorism, with a particular focus on the 48th anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Aldo Moro. President Sergio Mattarella led the tributes, joined by the presidents of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, Ignazio La Russa and Lorenzo Fontana, respectively. The day began with a wreath-laying ceremony at Via Caetani, the site where Moro's body was discovered in a red Renault 4, a stark reminder of the brutal violence that once plagued the nation.

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Pretendere la verità è un accanimento dovuto e non ci arrenderemo mai. La vendetta non mi appartiene e non ci appartiene ma la riscossa sì

The official ceremony, held this year at the Senate, brought together top institutional figures, ministers, and, most importantly, the families of terrorism victims. Their presence underscored the enduring pain and the unwavering demand for truth and justice. Massimo Coco, son of Francesco Coco, a prosecutor killed by the Red Brigades, delivered a powerful message, stating, "Demanding the truth is a necessary persistence, and we will never give up. Revenge does not belong to me, nor to us, but redemption does." His words captured the sentiment of many who seek accountability without resorting to vengeance.

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Non dimenticare è un dovere - per onorare chi ha sacrificato la vita per la libertà, per rispetto della nostra storia e per difendere ogni giorno la democrazia

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also paid homage to "all victims of every form of terrorism," referencing Moro alongside other figures like Peppino Impastato and Magistrate Rosario Livatino. She stressed that "not forgetting is a duty" to honor those who sacrificed their lives for freedom and to defend democracy. Senate President La Russa, addressing the attendees, described memory not just as a "record of pain" but as a "shield" for the rights and freedoms that form the core of Italian democracy. He cautioned against complacency, noting that "danger is always lurking," citing the war in the Middle East and "new resurgences of intolerance" as contemporary threats.

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la memoria non è solo un album del dolore, ma è anche uno scudo. Il più prezioso degli scudi a presidio di quei diritti e di quelle libertà che sono il cuore della nostra democrazia

From an Italian perspective, this day is more than just a historical commemoration; it is a vital act of national remembrance that reinforces our commitment to democratic values. While international coverage might focus on the political figures involved, for us, it is profoundly about the human cost of terrorism and the resilience of our society. The emphasis on national cohesion as an antidote to hatred and intolerance, as articulated by La Russa and Fontana, is particularly relevant. It speaks to our collective experience of overcoming the 'Years of Lead' and our determination to prevent such darkness from returning. The call to remain vigilant against "unacceptable manifestations of hatred and intolerance" is a direct response to the challenges we face today, both domestically and globally, and it reaffirms Italy's unwavering stance against violence and extremism.

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Il pericolo è sempre in agguato