The event was attended by the Minister of Defense, Senator Roberta Pinotti, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force General Pasquale Preziosa, the Commander of the Air Force Schools, Air Team General Franco Girardi, together with numerous religious, civil and military authorities.
Colonel Claudio Icardi, commander of the School, in his speech highlighted the solemnity of the commitment assumed with the oath by the young students of the "Iris" course towards the Nation. "The road ahead is demanding, you will have to grit your teeth even more and appeal to your comparative inner strength," said Colonel Icardi. “Be curious, question yourself, overcome resistance to change - he added - and with motivation and fortitude be open to the new. This will allow you to appear as capable, hardworking and honest people that the country needs so much ".
After the ritual formula of the oath, Minister Pinotti intervened, saying to the boys he declared: "dear students and pupils, like all young people, you are the most precious resource for our Italy: your freshness makes you intellectually curious, ready to interpret technological changes and appropriate new languages, you are children of the digital age and you are able to create virtual aggregation spaces to stay in touch with the rest of the world, from anywhere, transfer and apply these skills to your educational activities and training that will be offered to you at Douhet, take advantage of this opportunity to design and build your knowledge on solid foundations and the future, however uncertain, will surely offer you opportunities ".
The Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, Pasquale Preziosa, an aerial team general, said: "Thanks to you guys, who represent the future and to your families who have given you noble and important values such as honor, fidelity, discipline, sacrifice, principles that refer to the ideals inspired by the Air Force "- adding -" The future reserves, we reserve, challenging challenges. The first, for you, is that of the study, a front on which the School and the teaching staff are particularly demanding, a commitment that combined with the many educational and cultural activities that your school course provides will enable you to face tomorrow better " .
The swearing-in ceremony was followed by the baptism of the course which took the name of "Iris", an ancient winged goddess of loyalty who, from now on, will constitute an indissoluble reference value for young students.
The godfather of Corso Iris, Air Brigadier General Amedeo Magnani, handed over the new pennant immediately after the blessing given by the military chaplain to the course leader, a student Jacopo Traietti.
Source: Military Aeronautical School “G. Douhet ”- Florence - chap. Antonio D'Avanzo
