The Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco was honored to participate in the Italian National Day flag-raising ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, generously hosted by the City’s Office of Protocol, held in celebration of the Festa della Repubblica.
The ceremony brought together representatives of local institutions, members of the Italian and Italian-American communities, and friends of Italy to commemorate the values and principles upon which the Italian Republic was founded.
The Consulate General was particularly honored by the participation of Chief of Protocol Penny Coulter and Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, who delivered remarks during the ceremony alongside Consul General Massimo Carnelos.
In his address, Consul General Carnelos reflected on the significance of the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, recalling the democratic choice made by the Italian people on June 2, 1946, and highlighting the enduring values of freedom, constitutional democracy, and civic participation upon which the Republic was founded. He also underscored the deep historical ties between Italy and the United States, noting the reciprocal influence of the two countries’ constitutional traditions and their shared commitment to democracy, international cooperation, and the rule of law.
The Consul General further emphasized the special bond between Italy and San Francisco, recalling the city’s own historic milestones, its longstanding connection with the Italian-American community, and the contribution that generations of Italians have made to the economic, cultural, and civic life of the United States. His remarks concluded with a tribute to the friendship between the Italian and American peoples and to the values that continue to unite the two nations eighty years after the birth of the Italian Republic.
The Consulate General extends its sincere appreciation to the City and County of San Francisco, local authorities, community organizations, and all those who participated in the ceremony and contributed to making the occasion a meaningful celebration of Italy and its enduring connection with Northern California.
