Marina Berlusconi expressed her gratitude for being nominated as a Cavalier of Labour by President Mattarella and the Council of the Order of Labour Merit. She dedicated the recognition to her father, Silvio Berlusconi, who received the same title in 1977. She remembered the day vividly when they accompanied him to the ceremony in Rome. Marina also shared the honour with all the employees of the Mondadori Group, Mediaset, and Fininvest, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and passion in achieving this distinction. The award ceremony took place at the Quirinale, where 25 new Cavaliers of Labour were honoured by President Sergio Mattarella on June 2nd.
Among the 25 Cavaliers of Labour honoured were prominent individuals from various industries and regions of Italy, including publishing, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and agriculture. The list of distinguished recipients included Paolo Bertazzoni, Marina Elvira Berlusconi, and Giuseppe Marino among others, who were recognised for their contributions and achievements in their respective fields. The ceremony also honoured long-standing members of the Order by awarding them a medal for their 25-year membership, which included names like Giuseppe Pasquale Marra and Gabriele Galateri di Genola.
In addition to the Cavaliers of Labour, the ceremony at the Quirinale also recognised the ‘Alfieri del Lavoro’, the brightest students in Italy. Established in 1961 to commemorate the centenary of the Unification of Italy, the ‘Alfieri del Lavoro’ award is presented annually to 25 students who have excelled academically in secondary education. The number of awardees corresponds to the number of Cavaliers of Labour, symbolising the importance of education and continuity of excellence. The students were awarded a certificate of honour and the President of the Republic’s Medal.
The 25 recipients of the ‘Alfieri del Lavoro’ award in 2024 included outstanding students from various regions of Italy, such as Bari, Milan, Catania, and Rome. These students were recognised for their academic achievements and commitment to excellence in their studies. The ceremony celebrated their hard work and dedication to education, showcasing their potential to become future leaders in their respective fields. The ‘Alfieri del Lavoro’ award is a testament to the importance of nurturing talent and supporting the next generation of leaders in Italy.
The nominations as Cavaliers of Labour and ‘Alfieri del Lavoro’ represent a tradition of honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities in Italy. The recognition serves as a source of inspiration for others to strive for excellence and dedication in their professional and academic pursuits. The ceremony at the Quirinale highlights the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment in their chosen fields, showcasing the diverse talent and potential that exists in Italy today.