Yesterday, at the historic square of the Naval Academy of Livorno, in front of their family, friends and acquaintances and in the presence of the most important civil and religious authorities of the city of Livorno and top of the Defense, 198 new students took solemn oath to the Italian Republic officers of the Navy: there were 115 of the 1st Class of Normal Course, 78 of the 18 ° Fixed course at fixed point and 5 of the 18 ° Complement Pilots Course, the young people who, after having recently faced an initial but intense and fruitful training period - based on sports, professional and university disciplines - have proudly pronounced the words that officially consecrated their bond with the homeland and allowed them to enter part of the Armed Force to provide the service for the country and the community.
"Today is your day. Be an example to the men and women you will one day depend on. Be also curious to deepen and put your knowledge into practice. Make your Polar Star of the sense of honor that will guide you throughout your career"said Rear Admiral Pierpaolo Ribuffo, commander of the Naval Academy, before calling the National Flag to him and proceeding with the ritual formula of the oath. Words to which are added those pronounced by the Honorable Raffaele Volpi, Undersecretary of State for Defense for underline "To students and family members: today Italy is aware with you that your choice of life and your commitment for the good of the country", which was followed by the intervention of General Enzo Vecciarelli, at the first official participation during an event of the Navy as Chief of Defense, to highlight the important moment"With your solemn promise, you fully become part of the many generations of officers who have had the honor of serving the Fatherland, the Italian Republic and its democratic institutions in arms on the sea.".
At the end of the Oath ceremony, the students brigade, divided into 7 companies, paraded for a stretch of Viale Italia, one of the main arteries along the city coast, in front of the students of the local schools and many citizens, gathered for the occasion, testifying to the strong bond that unites the Navy through the Naval Academy to the city of Livorno, as expressed by the Chief of Staff of the Navy, team admiral Valter Girardelli, "culture is a privileged channel for dialogue, stability and peace. An instrument that places the person, communities and peoples at the center of every attention, with the aim of enhancing their identity between past, present and future".
Strong emotion impressed on the face of one of the protagonists, the 1st class pupil Giuliano Landa, at the end of the ceremony "This day is a step forward that my colleagues and I have been waiting for for some time. At the height of an intense initial period of training within the walls of this place which, like us, has trained generations of Navy officers and in this square where the guiding words Patria and Honor are reported, we can finally say that we have officially become men and women of the sea at the service of our country . A life path that we will honor every day with the support of our loved ones, who are present here in large numbers to share the important moment with us ".
