Remembrance Day, Tajani and Piantedosi: “Preserving memory to build the future” memory, resilience and institutional commitment in the words of the Ministers

On the occasion of the Day of Remembrance, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi participated in the official commemorations in memory of the victims of the foibe and the Julian-Dalmatian exodus. Tajani reiterated the importance of cultivating a shared memory among the peoples of the eastern border, while Piantedosi underlined the moral and institutional duty to preserve this memory and pass it on to future generations.. Both recalled the sacrifice and resilience of the exiles, witnesses of strength and hope, who contributed to the cultural and social growth of the country.

Il Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani participated today in the main events dedicated to the Day of Remembrance, in memory of the victims of the foibe and the Istrian, Fiume and Dalmatian exodus. The Farnesina and the entire diplomatic-consular network and the Italian Cultural Institutes have joined the celebrations with the aim of keeping the memory of the tragedy alive in the world.

The Minister spoke at the commemoration ceremony organized on February 10, 2025 at the Quirinale Palace, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. Tajani concluded his speech by underlining how “cultivating the memory of the tragedies that we commemorate on Remembrance Day, we must keep our guard up against those who deny the fundamental values ​​and principles of civil coexistence".

On the occasion of the ministerial meeting “Friends of the Balkans”, Minister Tajani wanted to underline how the memory of the victims of violence and the exodus from Istria, Fiume and Dalmatia must contribute to the construction of a shared memory with neighboring countries on the painful events of our eastern border. The example of Nova Gorica – Gorizia European Capital of Culture in 2025 represents a significant step towards overcoming oppositions based on old ideologies and ethnic divisions, in the truest spirit of the common belonging of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia to the European Union.

 On the initiative of the Minister, the writing “Io Ricordo” will illuminate the Farnesina Palace today.

The Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi also expressed his opinion on the matter: "it is an institutional and moral duty to commemorate those who suffered"

"Today, on Remembrance Day, Italy pays homage to the victims of the foibe and the Julian-Dalmatian exodus.” This was declared by the Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, on Remembrance Day. "It is an institutional and moral duty to commemorate those who suffered and paid with their lives or exile the price of hatred and intolerance. This day is not only a moment of remembrance, but a commitment to preserve the historical truth and pass it on to future generations. The tragedy of the foibe and the suffering of those who were forced to leave their land are wounds that belong to the entire nation and that cannot be forgotten."

"Today we also celebrate the resilience and courage of the exiles – concludes the owner of the Interior Ministry – , who have been able to rebuild their lives without ever giving up their identity. They have transformed pain into a testimony of hope and strength, contributing with their culture and their work to the growth of our country. Remembering also means reaffirming the values ​​of freedom, democracy and respect for human dignity, so that the tragedies of the past are a warning for the present and the future. "