On Tuesday, December 16, the Parliamentary Association of Friendship with the Honored of the Italian Republic (APAMRI) met in Rome, at Palazzo Valentini – Sala David Sassoli, on the occasion of the States General of Civil Honors, one year after the association’s inception. This national event was attended by regional and provincial delegates and volunteers, focusing on the value of merit as the foundation of the Republic and a lever for social and institutional commitment.
The event, hosted by journalist Paola Zanoni, brought together numerous personalities from the institutional world, the judiciary, and the police force. The guest of honor was the Prefect of Rome, Lamberto Giannini, former Chief of Police, who opened the proceedings by emphasizing the civil and constitutional significance of the commitment of those awarded for merit.
Among the speakers were His Excellency Prefect Lamberto Giannini, the President of UNICEF, Dr. Nicola Graziano, magistrate; Deputy Secretary General of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Marco Villani, Attorney General Dr. Armando D’Alterio, Prefect Dr. Salvatore Montanaro, both awarded by APAMRI for their numerous institutional activities, APAMRI National President Cav. uff. Riccardo Di Matteo, the President of Parliamentarians Hon. Carla Giuliano, the Secretary General Comm. Dr. Michele Grillo, and the regional and provincial delegates present at the event. The Honorary President of APAMRI, Cav. di Gran Croce Giuseppe Trieste, was also present at the event.
During the day, the appointment of Lino Banfi as Honorary President of the APAMRI Association was made official, recognizing him not only as a Knight Grand Cross, but also as a symbolic figure capable of representing, even in the world of popular culture, the values of service and civic dignity. Also present were representatives from the world of volunteering and the third sector, including the President of UNICEF Italy and Magistrate Nicola Graziano, confirming the dialogue between institutions and civil society.
At the center of the debate was the profound meaning of merit as a responsibility towards the future, particularly towards the new generations, and the growing role of the association in promoting social initiatives on a national scale. Ample space was also devoted to the theme of female leadership, considered a value to be recognized and enhanced within the paths of institutional and professional excellence.
“Article 54 of the Constitution reminds us that serving the state is a commitment based on loyalty and honor. It does not matter whether you are in service or retired: what matters is feeling, throughout your life, that you are a servant of the State,“ said the Prefect of Rome, Lamberto Giannini.
The National President of APAMRI, Riccardo Di Matteo, highlighted the strategic value of this first national meeting: ”The association was founded in 2024 and is now building its national organizational chart. In 2026, we will launch numerous social and volunteer projects. Valuing merit means offering positive examples to the community and working for the well-being of future generations.“.
In her speech, the Honorable Carla Giuliano, President of Parliamentarians for APAMRI, expressed her satisfaction with the success of the initiative:
”It is a day I am proud of. I would like to thank the organizers and hope that the association’s activities will continue with vigor, bringing concrete and lasting results.“.
Secretary General Michele Grillo concluded by reiterating one of the association’s guidelines:
”One of APAMRI’s central objectives is to enhance the role of women. From the outset, we have shared a number of objectives, and among the most important of these is our belief that women’s work should be recognized as a genuine merit.”.
The States General of Civil Honors represented not only a moment of reflection, but above all a starting point for strengthening a national network committed to promoting merit, service, and social cohesion, in line with the constitutional values of the Republic.
