On Sunday, 30 September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Enzo Moavero Milanesi, and the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Heiko Maas, will be in Marzabotto to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Nazi slaughter in 1944. It is the first time that the Foreign Ministers of Italy and Germany together attend the ceremony to pay tribute to the many Italian victims of the atrocious act of retaliation.
It is an event of great significance, which bears witness to the two Countries’ determination to keep alive the memory and moved respect for the many persons whose life was so deliberately and tragically taken. Moreover, the simultaneous presence of the two ministers prompts a reflection on the deepest-set reasons and ideals of the European integration process which, motivated by the violent conflicts of the 20th century, has brought 70 years of peace to the Continent.
By coming to Marzabotto, the Foreign Ministers of Italy and Germany intend to emphasise the symbolic value of this homage to the collective conscience of Italy, Germany and Europe: the memory of war crimes and the achievements of European unification. The occasion also offers the opportunity to reaffirm their common commitment to make the European Union easier to understand and closer to its citizens.
For journalists, photographers and TV crews interested in following the event, the ceremony will unfold as follows:
9:50 a.m. – Minister Moavero Milanesi is greeted by the President of the Region of Emilia Romagna, Stefano Bonaccini, the Prefect of Bologna, Patrizia Impresa, the Mayor of Marzabotto, Romano Franchi and the President of the “Comitato per le Onoranze ai Caduti di Marzabotto”, Valter Cardi, in the square facing the Parish Church of Marzabotto.
Immediately after: Minister Moavero Milanesi greets the German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas and, together, they participate in the Holy Mass officiated by the Archbishop of Bologna, Msgr. Matteo Zuppi.
10:45 a.m. – At the end of the Holy Mass, Minister Moavero Milanesi and Minister Maas will go to the Sacrario ai Caduti, the memorial chapel adjacent to the Church, where they will depose a joint wreath of flowers on behalf of Italy and Germany.
11:00 a.m. – The two ministers will walk to the near-by Piazza Martiri delle Fosse Ardeatine, where they will go on stage for the beginning of the Official Prayers and to receive the gift of the commemorative plaque of the celebration.
For more information and to kindly inform of your participation, please send an email to: accreditamentostampa@esteri.it (Tel. +39 06/3691 3432 – 8573).
Journalists, photographers and TV crews interested in following the event are kindly requested to show up at the square in front of the Parish Church of Marzabotto (Via Aldo Moro, 2c Marzabotto) starting from 9:15 a.m.
