Today, one year after the tragic death of Colonel Giuseppe Cipriano and Lieutenant Colonel Marco Meneghello during a training mission, events were held in Guidonia - in the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Squadron General Luca Goretti commemoratives for the two pilots of the 60th wing.
The day began with a solemn flag raising at the "Alfredo Barbieri" military airport, in the presence of the families of the two officers, of all the military and civilian personnel of the wing and of the entities located on the airport.
After a meeting of the chief of staff with the families of the two officers, it was revealed - in the presence of the authorities including the commander of the Schools and the 3rd air region, gen. sa Silvano Frigerio, the commander of COMAER, general sa Giandomenico Taricco, and a representation of the base personnel - a monument dedicated to them near the command of the 60th wing.
“The two stems – declared the col. Michele Cesario, commander of the 60th wing, describing the monument – they represent Montecelio and Sant'Angelo Romano, united by the helical wake of an airplane that unites and represents the infinite embrace of the two pilots".
Subsequently, the commemoration moved outside the airport, to Collefiorito, where in the presence of the city authorities, a marble sundial was inaugurated in a small public green area which will mark every year on this day , the time of the tragic accident, to symbolize the profound bond of the city administration and the entire community with the Air Force base.
“A year ago we lost two colleagues who made their passion for flying their life, two people who are indelibly part of the history of the Air Force and who together with their families will remain forever in our hearts“, declared the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
“On this sad day for all of us, on behalf of all the women and men of the Armed Forces, I want to renew my thanks to this city and this community, which has always been close to the armed force and in solidarity with our own values. Guidonia is an important place for the Air Force, not only for its history, but because here we prepare and train the young people who will be our future.
On this occasion, I also renew the greetings and closeness of the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto to the families of Marco and Giuseppe and to the community of Guidonia Montecelio and the city authorities.".
The commemoration concluded with the Eucharistic celebration at the parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Loreto, officiated by the bishop of Tivoli and Palestrina, Msgr. Mauro Parmeggiani and in the presence of the mayor Mauro Lombardo.
