a means of complementary or alternative transport in daily services but also in many ceremonial services. Being in charge to escort the President of the Republic, Cuirassiers have to be able to manage promptly many delicate operations characterized by a large public presence and by the need to ensure a discreet, but always effective, protection. Uniforms Cuirassiers use the same uniforms which were established in 1878 but with some slight differences. Lance corporals and brigadiers wear single-breasted horse jackets while marshals and officers wear the double-breasted ones. In special circumstances, for example during guard shifts or ceremonies in the Quirinal, Cuirassiers wear mess dress uniforms, helmets with chinstraps and horse hair crests. During particular honour services, like the Italian Republic Day on 2 June, the distinctive cuirasses of the regiment are worn. Coat of arms A decree of the President of the Republic of 24 December 1986 granted arms to the Cuirassiers. The shield is divided vertically party per pale: on the dexter side, an escutcheon Gules bearing the letters "RI" (for Repubblica Italiana) on the breast of an eagle displayed Sable (emblem of the Royal House of Savoy) on a field party per pall of Azure (for Turin), Argent (for Florence) and Gules (for Rome), representing the capital cities in which the regiment had served; on the sinister side, the arms of the Corps of Caribineers to which the regiment belongs. The shield is surmounted by an eight-turreted mural crown (five turrets are visible) and supported by two lions Or, bearing the flag of Italy (dexter) and presidential standard (sinister). The Latin motto Virtus in periculis firmior means “Courage becomes stronger in danger”. Minor changes were made in 1990 and in 1992, following changes to the Presidential standard. In 2002, the coat of arms was modified to reflect the restoration of elements of the 1935 arms of the Caribinieri on its becoming a separate branch of the Italian Armed Forces. Gallery See also 4th Carabinieri Mounted Regiment Guard of honour References Bibliography External links Military units and formations established in the 14th century Carabinieri regiments of Italy Cavalry units and formations of Italy Guards regiments Protective security units Royal guards Units and formations of the Carabinieri 14th-century establishments in Italy Guards of honour