National Unity and Armed Forces Day - Giornata dell’Unità nazionale e delle Forze Armate 2024

Re-established as a national holiday by Law no. 27 of 1 March 2024, the Giornata dell’Unità nazionale e delle Forze Armate - National Unity and Armed Forces Day commemorates the end of World War I, honoring the sacrifice of more than six hundred thousand fallen and many thousands more wounded and maimed. Indeed, on 4 November 1918, the Armistice of Villa Giusti came into effect: the surrender of the Austro-Hungarian Empire also meant for Italy the completion of the process of national unification that had begun during the Risorgimento era, with the annexation of Trent and Trieste. Exactly three years later, on 4 November 1921, the body of the Unknown Soldier, chosen as a symbol of all the fallen among 11 identical coffins containing the remains of as many unidentified soldiers, was solemnly buried at the Altare della Patria, at the Vittoriano.

Here, every 4 November, the President of the Republic lays a laurel wreath to honor all military personnel who have fallen for the Fatherland, while the Quirinale Palace hosts the Changing of the Guard with the Corazzieri Regiment and the Fanfare of the 4th Carabinieri Cavalry Regiment in high uniform. As in past years, state museums and archaeological parks are also open for free on the occasion. Finally, from 1 to 4 November, the Circus Maximus will host the home of the Armed Forces, with free admission: at the “Defense Village” visitors can enjoy a series of demonstration events, including flight simulators, military training rehearsals, marching band concerts, lectures, dog unit performances, live links with Italian military personnel on missions around the world and much more.