The charitable project “A gift from Heaven for Airc” has closed, with funds raised throughout the year donated to support cancer research

In the evocative setting of the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, in the exact place where twelve months ago the programme of activities and initiatives marking the Italian Air Force's special anniversary throughout 2023 was presented, the “Centenary Concert” was held. An event evening to retrace this first century of aviation history through the extraordinary images from the Armed Force's historical film archive, paired with the notes of great successful Italian and international pieces that were a symbol of those decades, performed by the Italian Air Force Band, conducted by Maestro Maggiore Pantaleo Leonfranco Cammarano.

An evening of stock-taking, following a year of celebrations across the country, also with a charitable focus. With the handing over of a symbolic cheque by Chief Inspector General Basilio Di Martino, President of the Italian Air Force Centenary Committee, to the President of the AIRC Foundation, Prof. Andrea Sironi, the charity initiative “A gift from the sky for AIRC” has officially concluded. Promoted throughout 2023 by the Italian Air Force, with the support of the Air Force Association, it aimed to raise funds to support cancer research. The significant sum raised – around 400 thousand euros – will go towards funding the purchase of highly technological, state-of-the-art equipment for IFOM, AIRC's Molecular Oncology Foundation Institute. A project and a year that are drawing to a close as another is about to begin, a “100+1” full of experiences, once again in the name of solidarity: 2024 will in fact be dedicated to the National Work for the Children of Aviators (ONFA), an organisation that cares for the orphans of the Armed Force's military personnel.

Many guests attended the evening hosted by Serena Autieri: among the authorities present were the Honourable Annarita Petrarca, delegate of the President of the Chamber of Deputies; the Undersecretaries of State for Defence, Senator Isabella Rauti and Hon. Matteo Perego di Cremnago; and the President of the Court of Auditors, Prof. Guido Carlino.

An exceptional guest on the stage of the Sala Sinopoli, the electric violinist Andrea Casta, who for the occasion officially presented the work “Legacy Of The Sky”, a tribute to the centenary of the Italian Air Force.

“One hundred years have passed, but the enthusiasm is the same as always,” declared the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Squad General Luca Goretti. “It has been a demanding year for the Armed Force, in which we have continued to carry out our duties in Italy and abroad. This is the right occasion to give thanks, and I ideally want to start with Marshal Francesco Simone, who conceived and designed the beautiful logo of our Centenary that has accompanied us throughout Italy and around the world.”.

But my thanks go to all the personnel of the Armed Force and to their families, who never fail to provide their support.

To review the concert click here

https://www.youtube.com/live/vUy3B_38Ejk?si=ud6y6NoGwFJD3ju6