The ranks were handed over directly by parents during a solemn ceremony. On Thursday, 16th November, the traditional ceremony for the handover of the ranks of third-class Marshal and sabres to the attendees of the 18th Vidharr Marshal Trainees' course was held at the Italian Air Force Marshal School/Airport Command of Viterbo.
The ceremony, which took place in the presence of civil and military authorities from Viterbo and the province, was presided over by the Commander of the Air Force Marshals School and of Viterbo Airport, Colonel Roger Michele Vai. The families of the “Promoted”as is tradition, personally presented the ranks to their loved ones; also present was Dr. Massimo Mecarini, President of the Facchini di Santa Rosa association, to bear witness to a strong shared sense of ethical and moral values, such as sacrifice, strength, character, courage, and determination between the Marshal Cadets and the Facchini, and First Marshal Lieutenant Giovanni Palantra, Chief President of non-commissioned officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel, representing all members of the Armed Force's Marshal role. After the liturgical blessing by the Military Chaplain, the presentation of ranks and sabres to the 95 attendees was initiated by the authorities present, who symbolically awarded the rank of Third Class Marshal to the entire Vidharr Course, represented by the Course Leader, his deputy, and some particularly deserving cadets; the significance of the moment was further emphasised by the presentation, also to the Course Leader, M.llo Giuseppe Convertini (3rd Class), by the President of the Facchini di Santa Rosa, of the honorary sabre, on which a rose, the symbol of the Association, was engraved. Following this, the ranks were presented to all other cadets, carried out directly by their loved ones; a burst of applause from the many attendees signified the value of the symbolic act just performed. In his introductory speech, Colonel Moroni, Deputy Commander and Commander of the Courses, dwelled on the importance of this moment, marking the cadets“ change of status to becoming permanent service personnel.“Two years ago you wore the uniform - says Colonel Moroni - Today you will weave it onto yourselves, and it will become your second skin. Take care of it, preserve it, adorn it, and display it with dignity and pride. In these two years, you have confirmed that you possess the qualities and abilities to operate as Air Force personnel in the service of the country. And above all, you have demonstrated that you know how to internalise the values and principles upon which being a soldier is founded.“. For the Commander, Colonel Vai, “A degree is a starting point, not an end goal; from here, through continuous training, the human and professional skills will be acquired to operate successfully in the continuation of your career, in the department and in all those situations in which you will be/we will be called upon to operate.”A special thought then goes to Viterbo“a cradle of history and traditions. The presentation of the sabre, engraved with a rose, to the most deserving cadet by the President of the Facchini di Santa Rosa Brotherhood, seals the school's connection with the region.”.
