Teaching national anthem in school becomes Italian law

Teaching the Italian national anthem in school became law on Thursday when the Senate voted 208 in favor and 14 against with two abstentions. Many Italians admit to not knowing the lyrics to the anthem, known as Mameli's Hymn, which had not been compulsory in schools. Fashion guru Giorgio Armani, designer of the Italian national team track suit for the 2012 Olympic Games, stitched the lyrics into athletes' jackets to help them remember the words. The Senate also voted to make March 17, the anniversary of the day in 1871 when Italian unity was declared, the national Day of Unity, the Constitution, the Hymn and the Flag.