"Brothers of Italy,
Italy has awoken,
With Scipio's helmet binding her head.
Where is Victory?
Let her bow down,
For God has made her,
Slave of Rome."

ROMA - Today, Rome heralded its celebrations of Republic Day with one of the largest military parades seen since the fall of the Greater Nordic Reich through Via dell'Impero and the streets of Rome. Signifying the independece and sovereignty of the nation, Republic Day continues to be one of the most poignant and emotional celebrations and national holidays in Italy.

Republic day began early in Rome with inner city streets being closed from 6am and the major entrance of the acient roman walls completely locked down with all access to non-military blocked until the end of the parade. Tens of thousands of people lined the upper parts of the Colosseum to see the exit of the military as well as the air force fly-over on their entrance to Via dell'Impero. In total more than 10,000 troops, 30 planes and a huge collection of armored vehicles, tanks, and massive cruise-missile launchers ensured that Romans and the rest of Italy will remember Republic Day, November 2009.

In scenes reminiscent of the 19th century independence wars, military bands played around the city until all hours of the night. At Termini station departing veterans and widows danced and celebrated with younger generations whilst loudly singing the national anthem. As trains departed, staff handed out flowers in recognition of the contributions made and loud cheers were heard across the many platforms. In a touching event it seemed to bond the generations of yesterday and today.

Following the official parades and ceremonies, People's Square and the the inner city was opened to the public, albeit under extreme security and an ever watching eye from OVRA agents. During the afternoon there was an estimated crowed of over 37.000 which entered Via dell'Impero to admire the parade ground and decorations, including the official stand for the dignitaries.

Closing the festivities was a series of fireworks in fourteen different locations throughout Rome including the grand display over the Colosseum and and the Altar of the Fatherland.

While Furon congratulates Italy on celebrating a most joyous holiday, we must wonder how much of this is propaganda, and how much of it is actually truth, coming from the Fascist Italy.

Have a Happy Republic Day from the Yuktobanian Government.

The Rheinmark congratulates Italy on Republic Day, a symbol of their unity and sovereignty. Italian cities, towns, and villages in southern Switzerland are sponsoring parades and festivities for Italy's Republic Day, with the Marks Heer performing a military parade in Bellinzona. At the end, a group of 6 tanks shot of blanks in the direction of Italy simultaneously, columns of smoke blasting out in the colors of the Italian flag.

OOC: Edited for better-ness.