For the sixth consecutive year, GoticaToscana took part in the Memorial Day celebrations at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial on May 29, 2006. This was a particularly important occasion, both for the level of authorities represented (for the US, these included the Hon. Ronald P. Spogli, American Ambassador to Italy, and Gen. Michael Tucker, Deputy Commander, 1st Armored Division, USAEUR) and because of the presence of a large number of veterans of the 10th Mountain Division and their families, lead by Mr. John P. Duffy, President of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc. 10th Mountaineers had last come to Italy in 2003, and the “Sempre Italia 2006” battlefield tour proved again the strong feeling of comradeship bonding together the veterans of that unit, as attested by their significant presence.

Donning for the occasion 10th Mountain uniforms and equipment, we took part in the official ceremony together with re-enactors of the “Fratelli della Montagna” group from Montese. We also set up, as last year, a small campsite area, displaying tents, weapons, equipment and a couple of vehicles, all of WWII US Army vintage.

Several veterans, assembling at the reconstructed camp after the ceremony, inspired by the many and still familiar items of equipment displayed, reminisced and talked freely about their wartime experiences. Their joking attitude and obvious happiness at remembering several “close calls” of no ill consequence, at times gave place to more serious recollections of other occurrences when a less lucky comrade had paid dearly for his courage and determination.

Our greatest and most rewarding honor for the day came with helping the veterans in locating the grave of old friends and comrades among the long rows of white and now peaceful crosses and stars marking the burial site of so many American soldiers killed in Italy in 1944-45, among them more than 300 fallen members of the 10th Mountain Division. The veterans, their stance displaying a deep soldierly pride notwithstanding the troubles associated to aging and old-suffered wounds, were an inspiring sight never to be forgotten by all that were there.

We wish to thank again all veterans, both for their past accomplishments and for their presence in the Italy of today, living testimony, lest anybody forgets in the complacent life of today, to the price paid by those that fought to preserve freedom and democracy against their many enemies. We also thank the ABMC staff at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial, which, also this year, gave us the unique opportunity to participate in such a meaningful and solemn ceremony.