On Saturday morning, trial runs over the Altare della Patria will be conducted by a formation of two aircraft. The flypast, scheduled for around 9 am, will mark the symbolically highest moment of the celebrations: the laying of a laurel wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, in memory of the fallen and missing of all wars. On Saturday morning, a trial flypast over the same spot is planned by a formation of two aircraft from the National Aerobatic Team. The Frecce Tricolori are an operational unit of the Italian Air Force and, with their personnel and aircraft, the Aermacchi MB-339s, entirely of Italian design and production, represent a national excellence known and appreciated worldwide. They, like the Armed Forces, represent a heritage for all Italians, as promoters of national identity and unity, an example and reservoir of capability and professionalism for facing present and future challenges, an expression of the world of culture and the image of Italy's value. The flypast on November 4th marks the end of the Frecce Tricolori's 2012 programme. Immediately after passing over the Altare della Patria, they will return to their home base in Rivolto, in the province of Udine, to resume their training activities in preparation for the unit's operational commitments. The airbase in Friuli will, incidentally, be one of those open to the public on the occasion of November 4th, as part of the events organised by the Ministry of Defence to strengthen and highlight the public's connection with the Armed Forces.
