Commemoration celebrates the heroic deeds of the Veterans who made up the 1st Fighter Aviation Group, daring fighters of the Second World War
Air Force Agency, by Lieutenant Eniele Santos And Lieutenant Wanessa Liz
On July 30, the Veterans Reception Base (BREVET), located in Campo dos Afonsos, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), hosted an emotional ceremony in honor of Brazilian Air Force (FAB) Veterans Day. The ceremony, which was attended by various military and civilian authorities, was presided over by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Brigadier General Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno.
During the ceremony, the Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Damasceno, emphasized the importance of recognizing the legacy of Veterans. “Each one of you here represents a fundamental part of our history and our values. I am the son of a veteran and being here today means a lot to me. It’s the history of our Air Force! May God continue to bless you, ladies and gentlemen, who have all our respect and to whom we owe every possible consideration,” he said.
The event was marked by a military parade whose troop was also made up of the veterans present and commanded by Air Brigadier Clóvis de Athayde Bohrer – who turned 100 this year – accompanied by Petty Officer Moacir Moreira, a member of the 1946 Class of the School of Air Force Specialists.
“At these ceremonies, a movie plays in our heads whose images bring back sweet and nostalgic memories. It is then that we remember that we were part of the work that brought the Air Force to the level where it is today in terms of operability and efficiency. That’s why, when we see all that it represents, our hearts fill with pride,” he said.
Awarding of medals
Brazilian Air Force Veterans’ Day inspires future generations to follow the same principles and values that have always guided the members of the FAB. Amid applause and greetings, the ceremony ended with the certainty that the legacy of the Veterans will continue to be honored and celebrated for many years to come.
To this end, active-duty military personnel received the Silver Eagle Honorable Mention and those in the Reserves the Military Medal. Upon receiving the Honorable Mention, Lieutenant Carolina Castro de Paula Borges, from the Lagoa Santa Support Group (GAP-LS), pointed out that the tribute received means recognition and reciprocity. “It’s great and gratifying to be able to help and give of oneself to those who have already given a lot for the Air Force. It’s very moving to see them here, being honored. Everything we provide for them is a reward for the time they have served and thus done for everyone here,” he said.
Veteran’s Day
Brazilian Air Force Veterans’ Day, traditionally celebrated on July 16, dates back to 1945, when, on that same day, the brave fighters who took to the skies over Italy during the Second World War returned to Brazil, marking a heroic chapter in the history of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
As well as honoring the war heroes, the ceremony highlighted the importance of all the men and women who have served the FAB over the years. The event was a celebration of the honor and dedication of those who have worn the aeronautical blue and contributed significantly to the institution’s growth. The term “Veteran” is especially revered in the military, designating those who have dedicated many years of their lives to the Armed Forces, highlighting values such as Patriotism, Discipline, Commitment, Professionalism and Integrity.
My FAB” app
During the celebration of Veteran’s Day, the FAB launched the “Minha FAB” app, a system of assistance and services aimed at veterans and pensioners, with remote protocol requests, thus allowing online follow-up without the need for intervention by the system’s links.
Created by the Personnel Administration Directorate (DIRAP), in partnership with DATAPREV, the platform’s first phase is already up and running. With it, it will be possible, for example, to apply for a military pension literally from the palm of your hand, using a cell phone.
“There are countless possibilities for using Minha FAB. All the services that military personnel need can be included in this platform, such as: requesting a military ID, scheduling appointments, medical examinations, among others,” explained the General Commander of Personnel, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Ricardo Reis Tavares.
Photos: Sergeant P. Silva/ CECOMSAER