Jubilees give us the opportunity to celebrate the past, but also to trace the path of the future – said today in Rome President of Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov where he attends the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification.

Upon the invitation of the Italian President H.E. Giorgio Napolitano, President Ivanov together with 70 chiefs of states and governments attended the glorious military parade.

“This is a celebration of unity and all the attendees with their presence showed their appreciation of that specific part of Italian history. The general impression is that Italy is celebrating its unification with dignity. The military parade which has presented all the history and achievements in the area of defense, has huge symbolic representing all those things that have lead Italy to EU and NATO membership, a matter of pride for all Italians. It also symbolizes their share in the world peace, primarily through the contribution in the peace operations and missions throughout the world,” said President Ivanov adding that this is also a great message for us, as Macedonia this year celebrates 20 years of its independence. 

“This observance today shows the way how Macedonian citizens should perceive and celebrate such jubilees and love their country, as this is an expression of patriotism and dedication to the homeland,” said President Ivanov.

President Ivanov had the opportunity to informally meet many high state representatives during the parade and the ceremonial dinner, among which was the Vice-President of USA, Joe Biden. 

The 80 minutes military parade observing the 150 years of Italy’s unification, being held on the central Roma avenue “Via dei Fori Imperialli”, was consisted of three parts, including 161 flags and medals, 5,239 soldiers, 460 civilians, 216 guards, 196 vehicles and 9 aircrafts. The parade was led by the five flags “tricolori” representing the evolution of the Italian flag in the course of 214 years.