(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 17 - President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella said Friday that on many occasions the Italian Republic has shown sentiments of unity and cohesion by "holding on tightly" to the values enshrined in the Constitution, including most recently during the coronavirus pandemic.
    These are "the same (values) that, by inspiring our society, ensure the moral resources necessary to face the complex challenges that the contemporary world puts before us," said Matterella in a message for the Day of National Unity, the Constitution, the Anthem and the flag, which the country celebrates annually on March 17, the day on which the Kingdom of Italy was officially founded in 1861.
    "The Constitution, the Italian anthem and the flag are the points of reference that guide us in the common commitment to consolidate an Italy founded on peace, freedom and human rights," continued the head of state.
    On Friday morning Mattarella laid a wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Rome as part of the anniversary celebrations.
    Premier Giorgia Meloni, Senate Speaker Ignazio La Russa and the President of the Constitutional Court Silvana Sciarra were also present at the ceremony. (ANSA).