Sky soldiers honor service past, present during ceremony

FLORENCE, ITALY

05.28.2012

Story by Spc. Michael Sword 

173rd Airborne Brigade

FLORENCE, Italy — White headstones stood strong, contrasting against the bright green of an immaculate lawn. American and Italian flags placed in the grass at each side of the more than 4,000 headstones, representing the lives of Americans who died and the country where they will forever be remembered.

During a Memorial Day ceremony at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial, in Florence, Italy, May 28, paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, American and Italian officials, veterans and citizens of both countries were present to honor the fallen soldiers, past and present, and the heroes that lay there.

“It’s really kind of sobering when you see all the crosses when you come in here,” said Spc. Anthony Dohmen, of Omaha, Neb., assigned to Legion Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd ABCT, who participated in the ceremony. “I was really proud to be a part of that.”

Every Memorial Day, service members all over the world take time to remember and honor those who came before them, their acts of strength and courage in the face of war, their memory and their sacrifice. For the sky soldiers stationed away from home, the ceremony allowed them a chance to stand on a piece of ground that stands specifically for America’s fallen.

“This property we’re on was given to us by the Italian people in perpetuity to use as a cemetery,” said John Luncheon, superintendent of the cemetery. “The Italians lost a lot of people in the war also, so there’s a feeling unity, oneness with America’s people.”

As speeches were made, and wreaths were laid on the marble wall, containing the names of more than 1,000 missing in action during World War II, the gravity of the day hit members of the audience.

“It’s a very important ceremony to honor all veterans who have sacrificed, regardless of country, for freedom,” said 1st Sgt. Peter Lentz, rear detachment first sergeant for 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd ABCT, who was in charge of the detachment of sky soldiers at the ceremony. “It is a great honor for me, especially growing up in the Old Guard.”

The ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps,” bringing the ceremony to a close, but many stayed around to walk the grounds and talk to those in uniform and the veterans that were in attendance.

“It’s an American holiday for America’s fallen,” said Luncheon. “With a lot of help we made today’s Memorial Day a success and it wouldn’t have been a success without you guys (the 173rd).”

• Date Taken: 05.28.2012
• Date Posted: 05.30.2012 09:40
• Story ID: 89158
• Location: FLORENCE, IT