European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 12, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse 5 a n Marin o file continued from Page 3 the Adriatic sea from Dalmatia to escape the persecution of roman emperor Diocletian. Marinus took Refuge about 15 Kilometres Inland on mount Titano where he gave his name to a Community whose Only Law guaranteed Freedom to practice their Faith. From that beginning an Independent Republic evolved that has summed Many crises including occupation by. Cesare Borgia and annexation attempts by Popes in the Middle Ages a cd an italian fascist puppet government and a British bombing in world War ii. Along the Way a the Cammarinesi As san Marino citizens Are known decided that they could protect their democracy by not letting any Leader Rule alone or for very Long. They set up a government headed by two captains Regent who serve Only six months and cannot be reelected until three years after they leave office. This spirit impressed both Napoleon and Abraham Lincoln. When the French general invaded Italy in 1797, he not Only honoured san Marino s Independence but offered it More territory. Fearing that would make them too tempting or threatening to More powerful neighbors the Cammarinesi said Quot no in 1861 Sam Marinese officials wrote president Lincoln expressing sympathy Over the troubles he was having and making him an honorary citizen. Lincoln replied although your Dominion is Small your state is nevertheless one of the most honoured in All history. It has stripes Magazine May 12, 1994
