Day of National Unity and Armed Forces in Italy (04/11)

On November 4, Italy celebrates the Day of National Unity and Armed Forces (Giorno dell'Unità Nazionale e Festa delle Forze Armate /National Unity and Armed Forces Day). Until 1976, this holiday was a state holiday, but is not currently one, although it is established by law. It is dedicated to the memory of all those who fell for their Motherland.

National Unity Day was first introduced in 1922 and was called the Anniversary of Victory in the First World War. Historically, this day is dedicated to the victory over the troops of Austria-Hungary and Germany in 1918 during the Italian Front of the First World War, as well as the soldiers who died in these battles for the Motherland.

Fighting on the Italian Front took place between May 23, 1915 and November 1918.

From the beginning of the First World War, Italy remained neutral, but in 1915 it nevertheless entered the war on the side of the Entente, the main reason for which was the desire to carry out significant territorial changes at the expense of Austria-Hungary. The success of the Italian army was variable: in 1915, the offensive initiative was on the side of Italy, however, in 1916, the Austro-Hungarian army defeated the Italian army at the Battle of Trentino.

In 1917, the Italian army carried out a number of successful summer operations, but suffered a crushing defeat in the fall and as a result retreated deeper into Italy. Throughout 1918, the army was recovering from the defeat at Caporetto and was only able to go on the offensive in the fall, defeating the weakened Austrian army. On November 4, 1918, the fighting on the Italian Front was completely completed.

Today, the President and top officials of Italy traditionally lay wreaths at monuments on the graves of soldiers. Wreaths are also laid at the grave of the unknown soldier. These days, museums display military uniforms from those war years, and also open access to soldiers' barracks. Commemorative and solemn events are held throughout the country on this day.

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