On Saturday 21 May, a hundred people gathered at the Viterbo Training Institute for a ‘trip down memory lane’ Welcoming the group of around 100 people from various VAM courses – who had undertaken their initial conscript training at what was then the VAM Central School and subsequently at the SARVAM in Viterbo – was the Commander of the Air Force Marshals‘ School, Colonel Antonio Coppola. As they entered the base to the strains of the Air Force march, there was great emotion amongst the ’reunitees‘. This emotion grew even stronger during the Commander’s speech, in which, in relation to the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy, he highlighted the sense of unity and cohesion emphasised by those present, despite their different geographical origins; a sentiment that has always been the hallmark of those who have served their country under the VAM banner; Colonel Coppola also expressed words of esteem and appreciation for all those who undertook their compulsory military service in the VAM, as their contribution has been vital in helping to ensure the security of the Air Force’s installations for over 50 years and, consequently, in achieving the Armed Forces’ objectives. Following the wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of the 9th BT Wing, the ‘reunion attendees’ were able to gain an insight into the School’s current institutional structure, first through an initial introductory briefing – which was particularly well received – and subsequently by visiting the training institute’s facilities in person. During the visit, a stop at the ‘parade ground’, where VAM cadets practise marching, was a must, as was a visit to the oath-taking parade ground. Lunch in the School canteen, during which Colonel Coppola presented the ‘reunion attendees’ with the Unit’s crest, marked the end of the day.It was, therefore, a special Saturday for these men, who, with the Italian Air Force still close to their hearts, experienced a day filled with memories that remain vivid to this day and emotions that are as intense as ever.
