Italian: Following years of struggle, World War II and the fall of Fascism, an institutional referendum was held in Italy on June 2, 1946. That was the day the Italian people made an historic choice that abolished the monarchy, exiled the male descendants of the House of Savoy and set their country on the path to become a republic.

Like many other countries’ national day, Republic Day in Italy has a tradition of symbolic events, including a stately military parade. The president of the Italian Republic, in his role as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, regularly presides over the parade, and invites dozens of world leaders to attend .

One of the highlights of the annual military parade to mark Republic Day is the spectacular air show - Italian Air Force aircraft fly over the Vittoriano monument trailing the colors of Italy’s flag. However, the traditional air show was left out in 2013 in a sign of the times in recession-hit Italy.

 Italy marks 150th anniversary of unification