At the Brindisi Airport Detachment, the hundredth anniversary of the birth of the airport named after Lieutenant of Vascello Orazio Pierozzi, who was awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor, was celebrated. On Monday, October 17, at the Brindisi Airport Detachment, the hundredth anniversary of the history of the airport named after Lieutenant of Vascello Orazio Pierozzi, a heroic aviator who died in training flight in 1919 after leading numerous victorious war actions, was celebrated. The ceremony, presided over by the Commander of the Airport Detachment, Colonel Gioacchino Cassarà, was attended by the Commanders of the Aeronautical Forces Agencies present in the Brindisi area, and with their Labaro, the Brindisi Section of the Aeronautical Forces Association. The ceremony, which began with the Solene Flag-raising, continued with the reading of the historical notes of the airport. A short speech was delivered by Colonel Cassarà, who recounted the fundamental milestones and the history of the Base, recalling the heroic deeds of Lieutenant Orazio Pierozzi of the Vascello Squadron, Medal of Honor for Valour in the Navy and four times Medal of Silver for Military Valor. Colonel Cassarà also wanted to mention what happened in the past, saying: ’One hundred years ago, the first hydroplanes from Brindisi were taken into flight by celebrated pilots who, with enormous spirit of sacrifice and courage, performed heroic deeds. It is precisely in the memory of those who preceded us and through the example they have handed down to us that, with pride, we must live the present, aware of this great historical legacy, which can always be a source of inspiration to revive our passionate spirit of unity ever more.“ Colonel Cassarà recalled the values of the Air Force and the connection with the territory, then dedicating a minute of silence to honor the memory of the fallen of the 13th Flight Group – which operated from Brindisi from 1967 to 1993 – and the 84th and 83rd Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Center who lost their lives in a plane crash in France on October 23, 2008. Before the end of the ceremony, in witness to the solemnity of the moment, decorations were presented to the personnel of the Department and some awards were presented to those who distinguished themselves in the performance of their duties.
