SOLBIATE OLONA (VA), 15 SEPTEMBER 2014 - This afternoon in Ugo Mara Barracks in Solbiate Olona, the Headquarters of the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy (NRDC-ITA), a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the Varese, Milan and Como sections of the Alpine Nation Association (ANA).
The MOU was signed by the Commander of NRDC ITA, Lieutenant General Giorgio Battisti, the ANA President of Varese, Luigi Bertoglio, the ANA President of Milan, Luigi Boffi, and the ANA President of Como section, Henry Gaffney, in the presence of the national adviser Vincenzo Cordiglia and the Deputy National President of ANA, Sagar Favero.
The object of the MOU is to facilitate cooperation in knowledge and information sharing and for mutual cultural and military history exchanges. The document will aid exchanges of studies, analysis, conference material and other information focusing on NATO and the Lombardy region. Additionally, the MOU will assist with the planning and conduct of excursions and guided tours to important historical and socio-cultural sites.
General Battisti expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, which he hailed as an element of continuity between the past, the present and the future. The universal values of Amor Patrio (Loving the Motherland) and the historical sacrifices of the Alpini Troops continue to be passed down to new generations and witnesses. This symbolic passing of the values was symbolised by the presence of Antonio Pierino Gilardoni, born in 1918 and a veteran of the battle of Nikcolaevka.
This cooperation is a further proof that NRDC-ITA does not want to be considered a guest in this territory, but an active and integrated part of it. The President of the ANA section in Milan, Mr. Boffi, highlighted the importance of this MOU and welcomed its values and spirit that should be considered a common link between the military personnel on duty and those retired.
During the ceremony there was a performance from the Varese Alpine Chorus. An exchange of gifts took place between the guests and commemorative wreath was laid at the Alpini monument inside Ugo Mara Barracks.