Fifth anniversary of the HH-3F aircraft crash in France in 2008. The ceremony, a religious service held at the church of Vaubecourt, was attended by the Commander of the Air Force Brigade (C.S.A.), Air Force General Maurizio Lodovisi, the Defence Attaché at the Embassy of France, Brigadier General Carlo Fortino, the Air Attaché, Colonel Vincenzo Nuzzo, the families of the deceased military personnel, the Commander of the 15th Wing, Colonel Franco Trozzi with a contingent of his personnel, and several French authorities. At the end of the mass, the victims“ families and the military representatives proceeded to the war memorial, represented by a stele, at Lisle-en-barrois, where a wreath was laid by the Commander of the C.S.A. During the commemoration, a message from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force General Pasquale Preziosa, was read, who wished to highlight how “The memory of this sad event still today causes pain and dismay, which inevitably resurface in our minds and ideally afflict the soul of the entire Blue Air Force. But pain must not stop us; instead, it must make us reflect and, at the same time, constitute a strong stimulus to find the mental fortitude and firm determination necessary to continue with unwavering commitment in the service of our beloved country.”. General Preziosa continued to emphasise that“We are comforted and encouraged by the assurances of solidarity and moral support we receive from the Head of State and all Institutions, as well as from Italian and foreign personalities. We are all aware that no ceremony or recognition can ever restore the warmth and love snatched away by a cruel fate; but, likewise, we hope that the eternal embrace of the Air Force can somehow alleviate that immense void and instil in the hearts of the families the strength of remembrance, always devoted to our Lady of Loreto.”. General Lodovisi, addressing the families of the deceased airmen, the French Authorities and the representatives of the Air Force present, wished to convey the sense of closeness of the entire Armed Force to the families affected by the grave loss of their loved ones, who were always ready to risk their own lives in order to fulfil their duty, highlighting the common feeling of extreme gratitude towards those who have seen their loved ones disappear prematurely, bearing their pain with measured and discreet composure. The Commander of the C.S.A. finally concluded his speech by stating that “...The memory of these eight young men will always remain alive in our hearts, and the Italian Air Force will undoubtedly find ways to be close to you, just like in a big family.”.
