The Workplace of the Secretary of Protection designated U.S. European Command because the Division of Protection lead for the eightieth anniversary of World Conflict II in Europe, a commemorative interval that runs from July 2023 to Might 8, 2025.
Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander, U.S. sixth Fleet, spoke on the ceremony of the significance of the commemoration of the landings.
“Eighty years in the past, it was these Sailors and troopers who stood the watch in protection of liberty, safety and prosperity,” mentioned Ishee. “It’s in these moments we keep in mind them and pay tribute to the heroes eternally resting on this sacred floor.”
Ishee added that World Conflict II is a reminder that allies with a standard goal can deter aggression and maintain international peace.
“This can be very necessary that we keep in mind these darkish occasions in World Conflict II and the way it was the sacrifice of Individuals and different nations that basically introduced us out of these darkish occasions,” mentioned Ishee. “At the moment, there may be a number of menace to safety and stability, menace to freedom of navigation within the Black Sea, within the Purple Sea and different locations on the earth. We must always all do not forget that it’s by our allies and companions that we come collectively and we overcome these challenges and these threats.”
Ishee highlighted how america and Italy’s partnership collectively and by NATO continues to be an instance of the power of alliance.
“Italy is without doubt one of the United States best allies,” mentioned Ishee. “During the last yr we’ve had over a dozen Italian navy ships which have escorted our carriers, escorted our ships, and carried out operations. If we want one thing, we ask them, they assist present and we’re equally supportive of them.”
Through the commemoration, college students shared particular person tales of individuals buried or memorialized on the cemetery, capped by performances by the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band.
Edmund Ryan, ABMC government director for operations, additionally added the significance of the occasion in making positive that future generations be taught what occurred in Italy 80 years in the past.
“It’s actually important to see the households and youngsters,” mentioned Ryan. “The one method that we will proceed to instill in our youth those self same values that each one these males fought for is to mainly carry these households, carry these youngsters in. We have now partnerships with universities, and excessive colleges within the native space to make it possible for correct classes are transmitted to those children.”
Commemorations like this train the importance of historical past and the dedication that U.S. Forces in Europe need to defend democracy, freedom, and safety.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces within the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of duty. U.S. sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF
