1.
GROUND TO AIR Air force 'planes fly over
0.16

2.
SV Military band marches past.
0.24

3.
SV President Saragat on rostrum watches parade
0.27

4.
GV Troops march past (3 shots)
0.43

5.
SV prime Minister Colombo on rostrum watches parade.
0.46

6.
SV & GV Missile carriers & armoured personnel carriers past (2 shots)
1.02

7.
CU Missiles passing
1.14

8.
SV Spectators
1.17

9.
SV Troops run march in formation.
1.26



Initials BB/2334 WLW/BOB/BB/2346



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Thousands of people today (June 2) watched a military parade through the heart of Rome to mark the 25th anniversary of the italian Republic. President Guiseppe Saragat took the salute during the two-hour parade of troops and military equipment while Italian Air Force jet fighters and bombers flew overhead. Among officials on the Presidential rostrum was Prime Minister Emilio Colombo.

SYNOPSIS: Italy celebrated the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Republic on Wednesday with an Air force fly-past and a military parade in the heart of Rome.

The country's 72-year-old head of state, President Giuseppe Saragat, took the salute during the two-hour parade, seen by thousands of spectators. The march route ran between the Colosseum and the Pizza Venezia, flanking the seat of Government of ancient Rome. Also on the Presidential rostrum was Italy's Prime Minister, Signor Emilio Colombo.

In an anniversary message the night before, President Saragat warned that Italy was at a decisive moment for the future of its liberty and democracy.