Tonight attending a reception to celebrate the 77th National Day of Italy It is an opportunity to remember the people who were able to react to the devastation of war, and the oppression of over twenty years of dictatorship. It is an opportunity to remember one of the most critical days in the history of Italian democracy. From then on, all Italians were able to vote without distinction of gender, race, language, religion, political opinions, personal and social conditions. My thoughts go to all those who have made Italy a free and democratic country: the Italians of yesterday and today, the old and new generations and the armed forces. We pay tribute to the Italians who have left Italy and enriched South Australia with their hard work and traditions. Buona Festa della Repubblica! Happy Republic Day!
