Under the watchful gaze of approximately 7,900 white headstones, the American Battle Monuments Commission commemorated today the 82nd anniversary of the landings in Anzio and Nettuno at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery. 

The ceremony gathered U.S. and local dignitaries as well as visitors and family members of Pfc. Donato Caramia to honor the World War II heroes who gave their lives for freedom on the shores of Italy in 1944.  

Sicily-Rome American Cemetery Superintendent Mark Ireland delivered the welcoming remarks. The event included speeches from the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian F. Burch II, Deputy Chief of Mission to Italy Marta Costanzo Youth, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, the mayors of Anzio and Nettuno, and the Chief of Staff of U.S. European Command Maj. Gen. John L. Rafferty. The invocation and benediction were offered by Don Salvatore Di Cotra and Chaplain Aaron Melman. The ceremony also featured a formal wreath-laying ceremony and was accompanied by the playing of taps by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa Band. Military units also participated in the event.   

Students from Istituto Comprensivo Nettuno III sang, read a poem, and laid roses in honor of the service members buried at the cemetery. 

“May we always remember with gratitude the service and ultimate sacrifice of those men and women honored here,” said Ireland.  

The American Battle Monuments Commission sites are a constant reminder of Gen. John J. Pershing’s promise that, “time will not dim the glory of their deeds.”