As is tradition, the civil ceremony was preceded by a Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral in memory of the victims of the foibe and the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus. Ambassador Lener was also in attendance.
At the Cultural Centre, speakers included the ambassador—accompanied by diplomatic staff—Franco Barilaro, president of Com.It.Es Canberra, Franco Papandrea representing the Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra, and Ondina Matera, president of the Associazione Giuliani, which organised the event.
A group of exiles and their descendants was also present. Matera welcomed attendees, including representatives of regional associations, and invited reflection on this chapter of history.
A letter from Giorgio Perini, president of the Association of Giuliani in the World in Trieste, was then read in both Italian and English.
This was followed by personal reflections from committee members, who shared family stories and experiences linked to the events that led to the exodus.
In his address, Ambassador Lener thanked the association for its ongoing commitment to commemorating the Day of Remembrance and for preserving these personal testimonies.
He noted that Italy’s official recognition of the day in 2004, though delayed, was necessary, and stressed the importance of continuing to keep the memory of these events alive.
The ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths at the commemorative plaque in the main hall of the Italian Cultural Centre.
