In Italy the Republic celebrated on June the 2nd his 62nd anniversary (before 1946 we were a monarchy...).

Our current Republic President Ciampi restored from 199the usual military parade in this day, suspended for the will of the leftist since 1987.

One of the newest things are that not only Italian units but also rapresentant of foreign unit can be in the parade.

Well, US, as NATO member, sent three US Navy sailors: a flag carrier (don't know the term in english) and other two as escort.

I was expecting to see the escorting sailors carrying M14, or Garands, or at least M1903 (those ones with all nickel shining metallic parts...).

Instead they were carrying a "thing" that vaguely resembled a rifle, something halfway between a muzzle loaded musket and a ordinary action.

WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING IN THE US NAVY???

Beats me- I was U.S. Air Force! [;)]  I never could figure out them rustpickers!

Probably used "super-fake" looking rifles so the Italians didn't think we were an invasion force...

Well, we didn't want to scare the frenchie bastards....

Just based on your description could it be a musket replica that has been modified to fire blanks for salutes?
Some people like the look of the old muskets.

Other than that I have no idea when I was on my ship's color guard several years ago we used M14s.