472 Volunteers Swear Allegiance to Italy

​​​​Inside the Scaligero Castle of Villafranca di Verona, 472 Initial Term Volunteers (443 men and 29 women) of the 85th RAV, belonging to the 1st Block 2025, swore allegiance to the Italian Republic.

The ceremony, preceded by the regiment's parade along the main avenue of the town and presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello, was attended by local civil, military, and religious authorities and the families of the oath-takers.

In the presence of the Regiment's War Flag, the Volunteers took a solemn Oath by pronouncing the traditional formula “I swear” and singing in unison the Mameli Hymn, performed by the Army Band.

“Your choice honors you and fills your loved ones and your new family, the Army, with pride. You have had a small taste of a path that, through successive milestones, will bring you joys and satisfactions, but in which there will be no shortage of difficulties and moments when you will have to overcome challenges greater than ourselves. In those moments, you will need to find in the Institution's values the strength to rise again, to carry on your shoulders those who cannot make it, and to be ready to give yourself for others, never leaving anyone behind. Never forget it! By shouting “I swear,” you have taken on the responsibility to serve the Country, in every circumstance. It is a commitment that admits no shortcuts or exemptions and flexions, where only hard work and respect for all those who have given their lives for the Tricolor matter. Always be proud of the choice you made. It is your duty that allows our fellow citizens to live in safety, freedom, and democracy.”, were the words of the Chief of SME addressed to the young soldiers of the 1st Block 2025.

The evening before the Oath ceremony, the Army Band performed a concert for the parents of the oath-takers and the local citizens, who attended the musical show in large numbers.

​ The Volunteers of the 1st Block 2025 will leave the city of Verona at the end of the course to reach the specialization schools of the Armed Forces.