The Italian Air Force celebrates its first hundred years of life. For the important anniversary, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella sent a message to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General of the Air Force, Luca Goretti.
The hundred years of the Air Force
Below is the text of the message head of state: “Passion, team spirit, sense of duty, have marked the first century of the history of the Air Force. On this special day, I pay homage to the War Flag of the Armed Forces, emblem of the sacrifice and valor of those who served Italy with courage and self-sacrifice. The grateful thought of the Republic goes to the aviators who fell in the line of duty. While I express my condolences to the families of Major Fabio Antonio Altruda, Colonel Giuseppe Cipriano and Lieutenant Colonel Marco Meneghello, who recently died in tragic plane crashes, while carrying out their assignment.
From the outset, the Air Force has been able to face complex and onerous challenges, demonstrating commitment, professionalism and dedication, with the passion and generosity offered by its women and men. From the origins of flight to the conquest of space, from pioneering activities to the most technologically advanced ones. Through heroic deeds such as those of the aces of the First World War and the conquest of records and primates, the Air Force has marked the events of the country.
A day of celebration for the country
The supervision and protection of national airspace and that of allied countries, participation in numerous international peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations and the European Union. Search and rescue for civilian populations in the event of natural disasters, medical and high-biocontainment transport, the use of remotely piloted aircraft. And, again, the assistance of air traffic, meteorology, solidarity and social commitment, the ability of the Frecce Tricolori. They are all pages of history of absolute value. Continuous research in the scientific and technological field has allowed the Air Force, in close synergy with all the other components of the Defence, to contribute in the aerospace sector, in a qualified and valuable way, to national and international security.
I gratefully appreciate your tireless efforts during the pandemic. For the timeliness of contributions in support of the Ukrainian people and for the support provided to populations victims of natural disasters, such as in Turkey and Syriadevastated by the recent earthquake. On this day of celebration, I join in the country's embrace of all the personnel of the Air Force engaged in international missions, in adherence to constitutional values. Missions aimed at the protection of peace, security and stabilization of crisis areas. To you Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Graduates, Enlisted Soldiers and civilian personnel of the Arma Azzurra, in service and on leave, and to your families, may the best wishes of the Italian people reach you. Flying into the future."
Long live the Air Force, long live the Armed Forces, long live the Republic!”.
(Facebook photo Aeronautica Militare/Quirinale.it)
