ROME — Italy mourned six soldiers killed in Afghanistan as teary eyed relatives, officials and thousands of citizens saluted their flag-draped coffins at a state funeral today.

The government called a national day of mourning, with flags at half staff and a minute of silence at public offices.

The attack Thursday in Kabul marked Italy's deadliest day yet in the Afghan conflict. At home, it rekindled a debate over Italian participation in the mission and the prospects for an end to the eight-year war.

In a traditional sign of respect, the crowd applauded as the six coffins were carried inside the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls by fellow soldiers. An honor guard saluted the coffins and many standing in the rain outside the basilica waved the red-white-and-green Italian flag.

In one of the most poignant moments of the ceremony, the 7-year-old son of one of the victims approached his father's coffin and gently touched it. A photo portrait of each man, along with his beret, was placed on each coffin.