Monday 28th March, the anniversary was celebrated at the Istrana military airport. The Commander of the Air Force Garrison and of the 51st Wing, Colonel Enrico Garettini, read out institutional messages from political and military leaders. Afterwards, the ceremony continued at the airport cinema, in the presence of Councillor Mauro Michielon, representing the Mayor of the Municipality of Treviso.
On this occasion, Colonel Garettini and Colonel Luigi Lombardi, Director of the 3rd RMV, presented the personnel with Crosses of Merit and Commemorative Medals. Subsequently, Colonel Garettini, in his speech, highlighted the main operational and institutional activities in which the aeronautical organisations of the Treviso area have participated over the past year, both nationally and internationally, confirming the complete integration of the Italian Air Force personnel into the social fabric of the Marca. He then wished to thank all the personnel, both past and present, whose local contributions, over more than 88 years of history, have allowed the Armed Force to always remain at the forefront.
The ceremony took on further significance in the Province, as on this occasion a Scholarship was awarded to two students who had particularly distinguished themselves through academic merit and social activities. The scholarship was established by the Municipality of Treviso in memory of the Gold Medal for Military Valour, Colonel Davide Franceschetti of the 51st Wing, who in February 2001, with altruistic spirit, decided not to abandon his malfunctioning aircraft, losing his life in the skies over Treviso.
