Festival strengthens Italian, American ties

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justin Weaver
  • 31st Figther Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  A crowd of more than 2,500 Italians and Aviano Airmen and their families participated in the 6th Annual Italian-American Friendship Festival Sept. 16 in the town of Aviano. 

The annual festival is held to promote friendship between the American and Italian communities and allows them the opportunity to meet and get to know each other. 

"Festivals in general are a celebration of our many blessings ... in this case, the special friendship we share with our Italian friends from Aviano," said Col. Thomas Gould, 31st Operations Group commander. "It is an opportunity for everyone to relax and celebrate all that we have in common--the love of family and friends, good food, and sports." 

This year's events included a bike tour, basketball, volleyball, horseback riding, archery, bouncing castles for children, horseshoes, local art, and a soccer tournament. 

Senior Airman Rocco Archina, a defensive player for the Aviano Air Base soccer team, enjoyed the camaraderie the festival helped foster. 

"Being Italian myself, I really enjoy spending time with the Italians," Airman Archina said. "Italy is known for their soccer and I believe we create a better bond by playing together. It's important to maintain that bond and friendship we have with them." 

Aviano's soccer team placed second in the tournament. 

Airmen and their families were also treated to folklore shows, music and local food and wine tasting. Vintage military motorcycles and vehicles, dating back to the early 1900s were also on display, courtesy of the Military Veteran Cars Association. 

"The association wanted to pay tribute to the crews who drove these vehicles under enemy fire, in order to restore freedom and democracy in Europe," said Col. Roberto Sardo, Italian Air Force commander. "Bringing these images of the past back to life is one of the most significant marks of respect to the Italian-American Friendship Festival." 

Italian, American and British flags were proudly flying on each vintage vehicle, driven by Italians decked out in vintage war uniforms. 

"My wife Stephania and I enjoyed the great food, wonderful music, and our time with friends," said Colonel Gould. "For my boys, Thomas and Joseph, it was a toss-up between the vintage military vehicles and the sporting events."

Colonel Sardo hopes festivals like this will help preserve the histories of both nations. 

"I think it's very important to preserve the memories of these past events, remembering the U.S. effort in Europe and the heavy toll of human lives the U.S. gave to our country [Italy]," he said. "The young generations have to keep in mind what the U.S. and allied countries did in order to bring freedom back to Italy and European countries. Ethical principles like cultural integration, friendship and mutual support are the indispensable values to preserve our customs and lifestyle."