This afternoon, our tour stopped at the American Battle Monuments Commission's Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Our guide Sarah arranged this once she realized how close we were going to be to this cemetery, just 7.5 miles south of Florence. We were honored to walk among the graves of 4398 US service men and women who died in Italy during WW II (most after the capture of Rome from the Axis powers and those who died elsewhere but were interned together). The graves represent 39% of the U.S. Fifth Army burials originally made between Rome and the Alps.
There is also a Wall of Tablets listing 1409 names carved in granite of those missing in action from these battles (a few names are starred to note their remains have been identified through research and DNA testing).
This visit was very moving as it drilled home the scope of losses incurred towards the end of WW II. Fiorenzo, our guide at the cemetery, is an Italian man who told us he and the other staff felt privileged to care for these graves to show their appreciation of the ultimate sacrifices made by Americans to liberate Italy. Many of us reboarded the bus a bit tearful and somber. I really appreciated the unexpected opportunity to visit this cemetery. My dad fought in WWII, was injured in battle, and nearly died in Europe. Hearing of Fiorenzo's appreciation for the service of our soldiers was very meaningful to me. I hope visiting this cemetery becomes a regular part of this tour.
There is also a Wall of Tablets listing 1409 names carved in granite of those missing in action from these battles (a few names are starred to note their remains have been identified through research and DNA testing).
This visit was very moving as it drilled home the scope of losses incurred towards the end of WW II. Fiorenzo, our guide at the cemetery, is an Italian man who told us he and the other staff felt privileged to care for these graves to show their appreciation of the ultimate sacrifices made by Americans to liberate Italy. Many of us reboarded the bus a bit tearful and somber. I really appreciated the unexpected opportunity to visit this cemetery. My dad fought in WWII, was injured in battle, and nearly died in Europe. Hearing of Fiorenzo's appreciation for the service of our soldiers was very meaningful to me. I hope visiting this cemetery becomes a regular part of this tour.
This memorial pays tribute to US soldiers who died in Italy between 1941-1945. Most died in fighting after the capture of Rome in June 1944. It is managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission. They also operate and maintain 26 permanent American military cemeteries, plus 30 federal memorials, monuments and markers, located in 17 countries, the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth, and Gibraltar, plus three sites in the US.
Members of our group solemnly approaching the Tablets of the Missing.
On the left is one panel of the many granite Tablets, which list 1409 military personnel reported missing in action in battles in this part of Italy. To the right, imagine the overwhelming effect of viewing rows of these names.
The cemetery is quite beautiful. But, I found comprehending the losses behind the number of rows of grave markers was difficult to manage. The rows and rows of 4398 Crosses and Stars of David were devastating to witness. Members of our group quietly walked among the markers, offering our thanks for their dedication and service. We returned to the bus, quiet and contemplative as we considered the sacrifices of these men and women and of their families back home.
The chapel at the Cemetery & Memorial. The mosaic behind the altar depicts a figure of Remembrance.
A statue of a regimental solider watches over the graves.
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To make sacrifices of these soldiers more personal, I chose to research a name on one marker once back home:
Private Paul E. Harbeston from Missouri--one of 4398 military personnel buried near Florence. He served with the 34th Air Service Group, 46th Squadron. He died on August 17, 1943. Listed here are some of awards, medals, and commendations he either received or was qualified to receive: ★ World War II Victory Medal ★ American Campaign Medal ★ Army Presidential Unit Citation ★ Army Good Conduct Medal ★ European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal |