The charity project “Un dono dal Cielo per AIRC” has concluded, with funds raised throughout 2023 donated to support cancer research
In the evocative setting of the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, in the very place where, exactly twelve months ago, the programme of activities and initiatives was presented that—throughout the whole of 2023—would mark the celebrations for the Italian Air Force's special anniversary, the “Centenary Concert” was held, an evening event in music to retrace this first century of aviation history.
Set against extraordinary footage from the Armed Force's historical film archive, selected and edited by the Audiovisual Production Centre of the 5th Communication Department of the Air Force Staff, the Italian Air Force Band, conducted by Maestro Maggiore Pantaleo Leonfranco Cammarano, performed a programme of highly successful Italian and international pieces that have been a symbol of those decades – from the 1920s to the present day.
An evening of stock-taking, following a year of celebrations across the country, also with a charitable focus. With the handover of a symbolic cheque by Chief Inspector General Basilio Di Martino, President of the Italian Air Force Centenary Committee, to Professor Andrea Sironi, President of the AIRC Foundation, 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 Italian Air Force Association, to raise funds in support of cancer research. Also joining the stage for the cheque presentation were the National President of the Italian Air Force Association (AAA), Lieutenant General (ret.) Giulio Mainini, and Sergeant Major Paolo Pizzo, Air Force athlete, Olympic fencing champion and AIRC ambassador, who shared their thoughts and reflections on the recently concluded project. The significant sum raised – around 400,000 euros – will go towards funding the purchase of highly technological, state-of-the-art equipment for IFOM, AIRC's Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation. One project and year closes as another is about to begin, a “100+1” to be fully experienced, once again under the banner of solidarity: 2024 will in fact be dedicated to the National Organisation for the Children of Aviators (ONFA), an entity that cares for the orphans of the Armed Force's military personnel.
Many guests attended the evening, hosted by Serena Autieri: amongst 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 the Honourable Matteo Perego di Cremnago; and the President of the Court of Audit, Professor Guido Carlino.
An exceptional guest on the Sala Sinopoli stage was 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.
The Centenary Concert was also the occasion to screen the fourth episode of the commercial about the story of Roger, a little boy with a dream of flying, which in the end became a reality.
“A 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, during which we have continued to carry out our duties in Italy and abroad, with the desire to retrace and share our history with everyone and, at the same time, looking firmly towards the future, as is in our DNA, towards young people and the new operational and technological domains that will accompany us over the next hundred years. This is the right occasion to give thanks for what has been achieved this year, and I ideally want to start with Warrant Officer Francesco Simone, a young colleague who, responding to the competition we launched at the beginning of this adventure, conceived and designed the wonderful logo of our Centenary, which has accompanied us throughout Italy and around the world.” In thanking the authorities, guests and all those who have supported the Italian Air Force during this year of celebrations, the Chief of Staff then concluded: “My thanks go to all the personnel of the Armed Force and to their families, who never fail to provide their support.”.
The Centenary Concert was also made possible thanks to the contribution of the companies Leonardo, Avio Aero, Lockheed Martin, Intesa Sanpaolo, L3Harris Technologies, Boeing Italia, Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, Northrop Grumman Italia, Noleggiare, Burlandi Franco and TIM.
