This morning, at the 'Gen. C.A. Pietro Giannattasio' Military Hippodrome at Tor di Quinto, a military ceremony was held to mark the 163rd anniversary of the Italian Army's constitution, in the presence of the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloniof the Minister of Defence, Hon. Guido Crosettoof the Undersecretary of State for Defence, Sen. Isabella Rautiof the Army Chief of Staff, Army Parachute General Carmine Masiello and other civil, military and religious authorities.
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As a prelude to today's ceremony, a Mass in commemoration of all the fallen was celebrated yesterday at the Church of St. Catherine of Siena in Magnanapoli, officiated by the Episcopal Vicar for the Army, while this morning a laurel wreath was laid at the War Memorial in the courtyard of honour of the Army Palace.
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Representing all the Army's arms and specialities, a Training Brigade was deployed at the Tor di Quinto Military Hippodrome, made up of companies in historical uniforms, symbolising the Army's founding values, and representatives of units in daily training for the performance of institutional tasks. Also present were aliquots of highly specialised regiments capable of operating in very high-intensity and multi-domain contexts, where technology and training are fundamental. The ceremony was punctuated by the notes of the Army Band.
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The Defence Minister emphasised "You are not heroes, you are normal people who every day wear the uniform with honour, representing and defending the State, the Republic and democratic institutions. You must remember this, and be proud of it, just as everyone must remember it, not only today, but also when they see you operating in a station, among the people, in peace, stability and security operations in Italy or abroad. Everyone must always remember this to thank you for everything you do in the service of the country"..
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During his speech, the Chief of Staff of the Army emphasised: "in situations such as the current one, the central theme is that security is expressed in having an Army equipped for a range of scenarios - from conventional conflicts to new frontiers of confrontation, such as space, cyber, disinformation -, in synergy with sister armed forces and in harmony with other branches of the State and all national and international players involved in various ways. What is needed, therefore, is a real cultural change across the board, in which innovation becomes the vital activity of the Army. But if technology can get everywhere - continued Lieutenant General Carmine Masiello - However, it is in the human resource that the true value lies. We must continue to look fondly on our soldiers, caring for them and their families, preparing them for the worst times. Values are the essence of our duty, to be offered without prejudice, differences and compromises, always in the name and for the affirmation of the fundamental goods of peace, justice and freedom".concluded the Chief of Staff of the Army.
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Afterwards, in front of the Army War Flag and all deployed units, the Silver Cross of Merit of the Army to the 21st Land Artillery Regiment 'Trieste'as well as six honours to personnel who distinguished themselves for particular acts of valour during operations in Italy and abroad.
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This was followed by the throwing of the tricolour and a flag with the Army's logo by the paratroopers of the Folgore Parachute Brigade and a demonstration of capabilities carried out by various highly specialised components of the Army. Also taking part in the demonstration were two Eurofighter aircraft of the Air Force engaged in simulating close air support led on the ground by Army Special Forces operators.
The celebrations ended with the traditional mounted charge of the 'Lancieri di Montebello'.before the Final honours to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, punctuated by the Ordnance Music of the 1st Grenadier Regiment of Sardinia.
On 2 and 3 May, the 'Villaggio Esercito' (Army Village) was set up at the Hippodrome of Tor di Quinto, an area where citizens were able to get closer to the world with 'stars', trying their hand at activities such as a military fitness course, climbing on an artificial rock wall, a biathlon simulator, a virtual training station and other shooting, flying and driving simulation systems, as well as horse riding activities, all to the rhythm of the music of Radio Esercito.
