"This place contains the history of the Italian Air Force, our most recent, most modern armed Force, which has always had an eye towards the future, towards the beyond".
Thus Minister Roberta Pinotti on the occasion of the ceremony that took place today at the Vigna di Valle Military Airport for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Historical Museum of the Air Force.
Ceremony during which the relics of the MOVM (Gold Medals for Military Valor) general Roberto Lordi and general Sabato Martelli Castaldi, who died at the Fosse Ardeatine on 24 March 1944, were donated to the museum. A restored aircraft was also delivered to the historical museum. Reggiane RE.2002.
Recalling the history of generals Castaldi and Lordi, Minister Pinotti said: "Two great military, heroes, who chose to be on the right side" and he added "I am happy that the museum keeps the memorabilia. They are figures that we can not forget. "
"The story told today is an extraordinary story that must be heard by the young people who are building the country and who will be the protagonists of our future" commented Minister Pinotti, addressing above all the many students present at the ceremony, which was attended, among others, by the Chief of Defense, General Claudio Graziano and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, general of the air squad Enzo Vecciarelli.
The Historical Museum, inaugurated on 24 May 1977 by the President of the Republic Giovanni Leone, is located in the Idroscalo di Vigna di Valle, the oldest in Italy, located on the southern shore of Lake Bracciano where, in 1904 by the will of the major of the genius Mario Maurizio Moris, acknowledged father of Italian aviation, the first was set up Experimental Aeronautical Shipyard. Here flew in 1908 the first Italian military airship, the No.1, the work of the engineers Gaetano Arturo Crocco and Ottavio Ricaldoni.
With its 13.000 m2 of covered exhibition area, it is one of the largest and most interesting museums of flight in the world. Arranged over four large exhibition pavilions, the Museum houses over 80 aircraft and a large collection of engines and aeronautical memorabilia of various kinds that tell, in chronological sequence, the history of military flight in Italy and that of the men who were protagonists .
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