The flag was first adopted by a sovereign Italian state, the Cispadane Republic, in Reggio Emilia in 1797, so it predates Italian unification in 1861.
“Today commemorates the 227th anniversary of the birth, by the will of the Parliament of the Cispadane Republic in Reggio Emilia, of the first red, white and green Tricolour,” Mattarella said.
“It has come down to this day as a symbol of the homeland.
“We are rightly proud of the Tricolour, which the Constitution gives as the emblem of the country, its heritage of history and culture.
“Our fellow citizens identify with it, and it stimulates our commitment to make the values of the Constitution real.
“Long live the Tricolour, long live the Republic.”
ANSA
