Green, White and Red: the "Tricolore” of the Italian flag welcomes the guests of JFC Brunssum at the celebration for the 70th anniversary of the Italian Republic, held at the International Conference Center.

 

The - "Festa della Repubblica” - is traditionally celebrated in Rome with a parade across the city performed by Armed Forces and State bodies members paying tribute to the President of the Italian Republic. The celebration refers to the date in 1946 when a popular referendum abolished the Monarchy in favor of the Republic.

 

This year the Italian community in Brunssum, recently increased in numbers, has one more reason to celebrate and to be proud of their national day, since for the first time the senior Italian officer also happens to be the Commander of the Joint Force Command.

 

General Salvatore Farina and his spouse were honored to host their compatriots and fellow colleagues representing the other nationalities working at the Headquarters with the promise of a very pleasant evening.

 

In an ‘Italian style’ decor guests were offered an ‘aperitivo’ with Prosecco before listening to a brief historical overview of the celebration of the 2nd of June (the actual date of the celebration) and being welcomed by General Farina’s own words. The formal portion of the evening also encompassed a short ceremony, with two Italian servicemen appointed with medals by the Commander for their commitments in NATO operations, preceded by the Italian national anthem, "Fratelli d’Italia”.

 

The unmissable, carefully selected and tasteful menu followed the speeches: a buffet with Italian gastronomic specialties was served to the guests - prosciutto crudo, parmigiano reggiano, lasagne and selected wines above all - who could enjoy a delightful evening among colleagues and friends, taking a break from the intense battle rhythm of the Headquarters these weeks.

 

An enjoyable music program performed by one of the Italian NCOs finally encouraged many guests to dance and have fun on the dance floor for the last part of the evening, while the children were entertained with games and toys.