The Italian Air Force is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the Aeronautica Militare has assembled a sweeping exhibit that will be available for a private viewing on Nov. 21 in the Chandelier Room at Casa Italia in Stone Park.
The exhibit comprises 36 4-foot by 8-foot panels, organized into a timeline, and every square inch of it is required to tell the remarkable tale of Italy’s aeronautical prowess.
In the course of that “century of progress,” technology skyrocketed from dirigibles and canvas-and-wood planes to supersonic fighter jets and remote-controlled drones, and Italy has led the way on several fronts.
In 1927, Lieutenant Colonel Francesco De Pinedo returned to Rome after a 34,000-mile journey around the world, demonstrating the feasibility of global air travel. In 1933, General Italo Balbo led a squadron of 24 Savoia Marchetti seaplanes in a historic Atlantic crossing, landing on the Chicago lakefront during the city’s Century of Progress World’s Fair.
The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. and includes complimentary wine and appetizers. Admission is free but reservations are an absolute must.
The event is being sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. To make your reservations, contact the JCCIA office at jcc@jccia.com or 708-450-9050.
For a downloadable PDF, click here.
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