November 4 is the anniversary of the signing of a ceasefire agreement, called the 'Armistice of Villa Giusti', which ended the battles between Italy and Austria-Hungary at the end of World War I.
Villa Giusti is located in Padua in northern Italy and is known for having signed the armistice agreement on November 3, 1918, and is therefore also called the "Armistice Villa" (Italian: Villa Armistizio). The armistice agreement entered into force 24 hours later, on 4 November.
In this agreement the Austro-Hungarian forces surrendered to Italy after being defeated at the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, and it was an important part of the decision to end World War II shortly afterwards, on 11 November.
Following the victory Italy annexed to itself some important parts of Austria, such as the port city of Trieste and South Tyrol.
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| A castle in the port city of Trieste in northern Italy |
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| The Trieste Stock Exchange Building |
How do Italians celebrate Unity Day and Army Day?
On November 4 and a few days earlier, visitors begin to pay their respects in Italy by visiting and laying flowers at the monument to the Italian unknown soldier (Milite Ignoto) at the Altare della Patria in Piazza Venezia, Rome. The First World and Vittorio-Veneto, the site of the last and decisive battle between the Royal Italian Army and the Austro-Hungarian Army.
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| Redipuglia War Memorial |
The President of Italy and the Minister of Defense convey to the Italian Armed Forces a greeting and gratitude on behalf of the entire country.
The Quirinal Palace has a guard exchange ceremony, a ceremony that takes place only on two other days of the year: the Tricolor Day celebrations (January 7) and Republic Day (June 2).
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| Guard exchange ceremony at Piazza del Quirinale |
Italian military forces usually open their facilities to the public and allow visits to naval military units. In the military buildings that are open to the public, weapons exhibitions and exhibitions on the subject of the First World War are held. Sports and gymnastics demonstrations by soldiers are also often held.
In the squares of the great Italian cities, concerts of military bands are held, and many celebrations are held in each city in front of its monument to the fallen.
November 4 is also Use Your Common Sense day and Unity Day in Russia