Daniel Muraro: 'We offer healthcare workers a maiden flight to say thank you'
The association Les Ailes de la Reconnaissance, created by pilots, continues its mission to offer flights to healthcare workers.
Born in the heart of the 2020 health crisis, Les Ailes de la Reconnaissance transformed a simple idea into a vast human adventure to thank healthcare professionals for their exceptional commitment.
Based at the Cuers-Pierrefeu airfield, it launched its sixth year of activity during a charity evening on April 11, confirming the growing success of its initiative. AN IDEA BORN FROM THE CRISIS The adventure began with a question that Daniel Muraro, pilot and founder of the association, asked himself when faced with the ordeal medical teams were going through during the pandemic: 'How can we thank these well-deserving healthcare workers?' Feeling that clapping at windows, though symbolic, was not enough, he mobilized other pilot friends to give what was most precious to them: their time, their skills, and their aircraft.
That is how the idea of offering free maiden flights took off, literally, from the hangar housing his Stampe SV4-RS biplane.
'Healthcare workers take good care of us, it's up to us to return the favor,' is the association's credo.
In 5 years, the initiative has grown considerably. The association boasts more than 750 maiden flights offered and more than 2,500 meals served to healthcare workers and their families. For Daniel Muraro, it was essential to include relatives, who are considered indispensable support.
Each flight day concludes with a friendly meal in the hangar, decorated with models, portraits of aviation pioneers, and surrounded by the aircraft that made these moments of escape possible. Initially intended for healthcare workers mobilized during the health crisis, the mission has expanded to include ambulance drivers, firefighters, and civil security agents, recognizing the involvement of every link in the emergency response chain.
OFFICIAL RECOGNITION The dedication of the volunteers and the positive impact of the association did not escape local and national authorities. Daniel Muraro received the medal of honor from the Towns of Cuers and Pierrefeu-du-Var. The Fondation du Bénévolat also honored the commitment of four pillars of the association, including its president, by awarding them the Palme de Bronze.
More recently, Daniel Muraro received the Palme d'Argent du Bénévolat at the Sénat, from the hands of former minister Michèle Alliot-Marie, a distinction that praised the considerable work to bring 'that ray of sunshine and this joy of life that is found on the face of every healthcare worker upon landing'.
And, on April 11, the association organized its annual charity evening, a crucial event for its funding which relies entirely on donations from loyal partners. More than 100 people were present, marking the launch of the sixth year of activity. The evening took place in the presence of many prominent figures, including the association's godmother, Lieutenant-Colonel Julie Dorna, Lieutenant-Colonel Gaëlle Rouault, commander of the gendarmerie d'Hyères company, General of the Air Force Roger Pessidous, as well as the mayors of Cuers, Bernard Mouttet, and Pierrefeu-du-Var, Patrick Martinelli.
After moving speeches by President Muraro and the vice-president, General Patrick Féron, the evening continued in a warm atmosphere. Because the objective remains unchanged: to allow as many people as possible to 'be able, for the duration of a flight, to step from shadow into light'.
PLEASE NOTE... To support the association or learn more about its missions: https://www. lesailesdelareconnaissance. fr.
Photos Philippe OLIVIER.