Italy mourned six soldiers killed in Afghanistan as teary-eyed relatives,officials and thousands of citizens saluted their flag-draped coffins at a state funeral yesterday.
The government called a national day of mourning, with flags at half-staff and a minute of silence at public offices.
The attack on Thursday in Kabul marked Italy's deadliest day yet in the Afghan conflict. At home, it rekindled a debate over Italian participation in the mission and the prospects for an end to the eight-year war.
In a traditional sign of respect, the crowd applauded as the six coffins were carried inside the Basilica of St Paul's Outside the Walls by fellow soldiers. An honour guard saluted the coffins and many standing in the rain outside the basilica waved the red-white-and-green Italian flag. The bodies of the Italians were returned home on Sunday.
In one of the most poignant moments of the ceremony, the seven-year-old son of one of the victims approached his father's coffin and gently touched it. A photo portrait of each man, along with his beret, was placed on each coffin.
Pope Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolences that was read during the ceremony, saying he was praying that God would "support those who are engaged daily in building solidarity,reconciliation and peace in the world".
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi shook hands with relatives of the dead as he sought to comfort them, and President Giorgio Napolitano bowed his head before the coffins.
Some private businesses shut down their doors for a few minutes during the ceremony, reports said. The funeral was broadcast live on state-run TV and other national broadcasters.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment