Brindisi: Four Carabinieri officers were awarded the Mauriziana Medal for 50 years of service.

A lifetime dedicated to institutions, security, and the protection of the community. This morning, the meeting took place at the Provincial Command of the Carabinieri of Brindisi the official award ceremony of the Mauriziana Medal for ten years of military career, one of the most prestigious awards given to Armed Forces personnel.

The award was conferred by Provincial Commander, Colonel Leonardo Acquaro, which awarded one officer and three non-commissioned officers of the force who distinguished themselves throughout their long careers for their professionalism, dedication, and service to the Salento region.

The soldiers awarded the Mauriziana Medal are the Lieutenant Colonel Vito Luigi Coppola, Head of the Command Office of the Provincial Command of Brindisi, the Lieutenant Special Charge Luciano Calabretta, Commander of the Command Unit of the Fasano Company, the Lieutenant Special Charge Francesco Monaco, Commander of the Radiomobile Section of the Fasano Company, and the Lieutenant Special Charge Angelo Rampino, currently on leave and already serving in the Information Unit of the Provincial Command.

A recognition of dedication and professionalism

During the ceremony, Colonel Acquaro underlined the value of the honor and the significance of the long service carried out by the awarded soldiers. Mauritian Medal, the commander recalled, represents the “prestigious seal to an impeccable career, aimed at guaranteeing the legality and security of the country through the observance of the highest military values”.

The event was experienced with great emotional participation and represented a moment of public recognition for men who, over the decades, have contributed significantly to local security and to strengthening the relationship of trust between the Carabinieri and the local community.

The ceremony also reaffirmed the historical and institutional link between the Carabinieri and the Brindisi area, recalling the military's daily commitment to ensuring legality, prevention, and citizen protection.

The Mauriziana Medal: symbol of 50 years of service

La Mauriziana Medal for merit in a ten-year military career represents one of the highest honors awarded to personnel of the Italian Armed Forces. Established in 1839 by Charles Albert of Savoy and subsequently reformed by the Republic in 1954, is granted to officers and non-commissioned officers of all Armed Forces, including the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza.

The transfer takes place via Decree of the President of the Republic and rewards a career marked by fifty years of meritorious service.

The calculation of the so-called "fifteen-year period" is not based solely on time served, but also takes into account various elements of a military career, including years of command and operational assignments. Specifically, actual service, periods of command, assignments or assignments in operational units—valued with a 50% increase—and international peacekeeping missions are considered.

The medal depicts the effigy of Saint Maurice, patron saint of the Alpine troops and the Knights, and is recognisable by the characteristic green ribbon. Although it has its historical roots in the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, today it represents the highest recognition for longevity and merit in a military career, often personalized with the name of the decorated person engraved on the back.