“Cent'anni di Futuro” and “La difesa vien dal cielo” are the two volumes that make up the publishing work dedicated to the centenary of the Italian Air Force
In the splendid setting of the Hall of the Temple of Vibia Sabina and Hadrian in Rome, the presentation of the box set “Centenary of the Italian Air Force. 1923-2023”containing two volumes celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Italian Air Force, recounting a century of history that has seen it play a leading role alongside the country.
In this editorial work, created by multiple authors and published by Aeronautical Magazine Publishing and that Giunti Editore, the first volume – *A Hundred Years of the Future* – traces the history of Italian aviation, from the pioneers to the new frontiers of space, whilst the second – Defence Comes from the Sky – details the pivotal role of the Italian Air Force in safeguarding airspace, not only within our country but also beyond our national borders.
A packed audience watched several speakers take turns to enrich the presentation of the work with stories and testimonies.
«The flight of the Air Force has lasted a century; it might not seem like it, but that is how it is. A period punctuated by epoch-making events or by an often heroic daily routine. It is a long leap, characterised by the courage, generosity, spirit of sacrifice, and always by the high and esteemed professionalism of generations of men and recently of women in blue who, with humility and in silence, have unconditionally and proudly served Italy.» With these words from the moderator Veronica Maya, RAI journalist, the curtain has risen.
Following the welcome address by the Dr. Lorenzo Tagliavanti, President of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, which provided the prestigious venue for the presentation, was addressed by the Logistics Commander, Air Chief Marshal Roberto Comelli, who reiterated how these hundred years have been characterised not only by the continuous evolution of machinery and technology, but above all by the commitment and increasingly specialised professionalism of the women and men who, with their contribution, are the true protagonists of the Blue Air Force.
Several of the authors of the two volumes are present: from Air Force General (ret.) Alberto Rosso, former Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, to Chief Inspector General (retired) of the Air Force Engineering Corps, Basilio Di Martino president of the Centenary Committee, to the Prof. Luciano Bozzo of the University of Florence, at the Professor Gregory Alegi renowned historian and journalist. The work is graced with the Foreword by the President of the Republic and a historical account by the journalist Paolo Mieli.
«Telling a century of the Air Force's history has not been easy!" said the Colonel Alessandro Cornacchini, editor of *Aeronautica*, the magazine of the Italian Air Force Association, and co-author of the work – “It is a complex undertaking to encapsulate a century-long history in two volumes, a history full of fascinating events and stories that have been recounted and analysed by a special team of authors, who have turned this volume into a comprehensive work.”.
The moment the photobook “La Difesa vien dal cielo” was delivered to Commander of the Frecce Tricolori, Lt. Col. Stefano Vit, symbolised the continuity between the past, present and future of the Armed Forces.
Subsequently the photojournalist Alessandro Barteletti As the striking photographs he had taken for the photo book were projected, he spoke about the art and the challenges of taking pictures on board high-speed jets.
To round off the event, the Brigadier General Giovanni Francesco Adamo Head of the 5th Communication Department of the Air Force Staff, who wished to remember all the events that the Armed Force organised during 2023 to celebrate the centenary of the Italian Air Force.
