On Tuesday, December 16, the Parliamentary Friendship Association with the Recipients of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (APAMRI) met in Rome at Palazzo Valentini – David Sassoli Hall, on the occasion of the General Assembly of the civil honor, marking one year since the association’s founding. This national event brought together regional and provincial delegates and volunteers, focusing on the value of merit as the foundation of the Republic and as a driving force for social and institutional engagement.
The event, hosted by journalist Paola Zanoni, gathered numerous figures from the institutional, judicial, and law enforcement sectors. The guest of honor was the Prefect of Rome, Lamberto Giannini, former Chief of the State Police, who opened the session emphasizing the civil and constitutional significance of the commitment of merit awardees.
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, Marco Villani; Attorney General Dr. Armando D’Alterio; Prefect Dr. Salvatore Montanaro, both awarded by APAMRI for their extensive institutional work; APAMRI National President Cav. uff. Riccardo Di Matteo; President of the Parliamentarians, Hon. Carla Giuliano; Secretary General Comm. Dr. Michele Grillo; and the regional and provincial delegates present at the event. The APAMRI Honorary President, Cav. di Gran Croce Giuseppe Trieste, also attended.
During the day, the appointment of Lino Banfi as Honorary President of APAMRI was officially announced, recognizing him not only as a Knight of the Grand Cross but also as a symbolic figure capable of representing the values of service and civil dignity, even in the world of popular culture. Representatives from the volunteer sector and civil society were also present, including the President of UNICEF Italy, Dr. Nicola Graziano, highlighting the dialogue between institutions and civil society.
The discussion focused on the deep meaning of merit as a responsibility toward the future, particularly toward younger generations, and on the growing role of the association in promoting social initiatives nationwide. Significant attention was also given to female leadership, regarded as a value to recognize and promote within pathways 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 doesn’t matter whether one is in active service or retired: what matters is to feel, throughout life, a servant of the State,” stated the Prefect of Rome, Lamberto Giannini.
APAMRI National President Riccardo Di Matteo emphasized the strategic importance of this first national meeting: “The association was founded in 2024 and is now building its national organizational structure. In 2026, we will launch numerous social and volunteer projects. Valuing merit means providing positive examples to the community and working for the well-being of future generations.”
In her speech, Hon. Carla Giuliano, President of the Parliamentarians for APAMRI, expressed satisfaction with the success of the initiative: “This is a day I am proud of. I thank the organizers and hope that the association’s activities can continue strongly, delivering concrete and lasting results.”
Secretary General Michele Grillo concluded, reiterating one of the association’s guiding principles: “One of APAMRI’s central goals is to highlight the role of women. From the beginning, we have shared some objectives, and among the most important is the belief that women’s work should be recognized as genuine merit.”
The General Assembly of the civil honor represented not only a moment of assessment but, above all, a starting point to strengthen a national network committed to promoting merit, service, and social cohesion, in line with the constitutional values of the Republic.