As part of the celebrations, the traditional “City of Loreto” award was presented, this year awarded to the 4th Wing of Grosseto. As early as Saturday evening, the A.M. Foreign Languages School of Loreto (SLEAM), commanded by Colonel Gerardo Contristano, took part in the celebration of the solemn Vespers, with the Sacred Effigy of the Virgin carried through the streets of the city by a delegation of personnel on active service and in training at the School.
On the Sunday morning, moreover, the Holy Mass was celebrated, presided over by Monsignor Giovanni Tonucci, Archbishop Prelate of Loreto and Pontifical Delegate of the Shrine of the “Holy House”, in the presence of the President of the Senate, Pietro Grasso, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, Air Squad General Pasquale Preziosa, the newly appointed Commander of Schools/3rd Air Region, Air Squad General Franco Girardi, and regional religious, civil and military authorities.
Outside the Basilica, the Angelus was then recited and the blessing given from the parvis, accompanied by the traditional flypast of two Eurofighter 2000 aircraft from the 4th Wing of Grosseto.
Indeed, the Grosseto Wing received the annual “Città di Loreto” award as the Italian Air Force unit that has distinguished itself for its activities.
The blessing of aircraft in flight was given for the first time by Bishop Alfonso Maria Andreoli during the official aeronautical events held in Loreto on 12 September 1920, in honour of Our Lady of Loreto, Patron Saint of aviators since 24 March of the same year by a decree of the then Pope Benedict XV. Six Aviatik, Hanriot and SVA aircraft were then blessed from the churchyard as they flew across the skies of Loreto. The event sparked great enthusiasm throughout the world, given that until that moment there was not yet a single international patron protector of aviators.
The “Città di Loreto” award was presented on the Basilica parvis by the Mayor, Dr Paolo Niccoletti, with the following citation:
“In addition to carrying out airspace surveillance activities 365 days a year, the 4th Wing has provided, with professionalism, promptness and sacrifice, its contribution to several exceptional events that affected the Tuscan territory in 2012, and in particular:
– Rescue operations following the shipwreck of the cruise ship “Costa Concordia” in which the 4th Wing, at the request of the Prefecture, provided logistical support and refuelling for all aircraft of the Armed Forces or Armed Corps of the State involved in the rescue operations. In addition, a coordination and reception point was set up at the Unit, successfully accommodating 23 shipwreck survivors and providing them with all necessary support. 93 military personnel were deployed in the operation and 339 food rations were provided for the survivors;
-Activities carried out during the fire that devastated the Marina di Grosseto pine wood on 17 and 18 August 2012, which saw the outbreak of an arson attack that hit the Marina di Grosseto pine wood. During the night, the flames also threatened the Logistics area of the 4th Wing, where the personnel accommodation is located. At the request of the Prefecture, personnel and equipment of the Unit intervened, operating effectively in extinguishing the flames and in the evacuation activities of the inhabited centres. 81 military personnel, 6 firefighting vehicles, 14 coaches were deployed in the operation and 1,296,000 litres of water were used;
Activities carried out during the flood in the town of Albinia (Grosseto) in November 2012, a flood that struck the province of Grosseto, inundating the town of Albinia and causing fatalities among the residents. In this case too, the Prefecture requested the intervention of the 4th Wing, which provided personnel and vehicles for rescue operations for the affected populations. The Unit contributed to the event with 30 service personnel, vehicles, and by providing shelter to 13 flood victims whose homes were devastated by the inundation“.
The award was collected by Colonel Luca Spuntoni, Commander of the 4th Wing, together with a delegation from the awarded unit. The Italian Air Force Association – Loreto Section also wished to pay tribute to the unit with its own commemorative plaque.
Finally, on Sunday evening, the concert by the Band of the 1st Air Region was held in the square in front of the Basilica, bringing the “aeronautical” programme of the Marian celebrations to a close.
