CASSIBILE, Italy –The Armistice of Cassibile was the official agreement, signed on Sept. 3, 1943, that ended hostilities between the Kingdom of Italy and the Allied forces during World War Two. Italian Brig. Gen. Giuseppe Castellano and U.S. Maj. Gen. Walter Bedell Smith signed the historic pact inside a military tent under an olive grove at Santa Teresa Longarini near Cassibile.
The signing came less than two months after Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, and the fall of dictator Benito Mussolini's regime. While the armistice was signed on Sept. 3, it was kept secret for five days until Allied Supreme Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower publicly broadcasted the surrender on Sept. 8, 1943, completely shifting the war in the Mediterranean.
Following the 1943 announcement, Italy joined forces with the Allies to help liberate the rest of the country from Axis control, paving the way for the nation to become a founding member of NATO in 1949.
"It is with great honor to stand here today, at this historic site, to commemorate the Armistice of Cassibile, signed 83 years ago," said Capt. Daniel Martins, commanding officer, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. "This exact location witnessed a monumental moment that changed the course of history as a catalyst of peace and longstanding unity between Italy and the U.S."
The event included a replica of the tent and exact location where the agreement was signed, offering a rare glimpse into the historic event. Italian and U.S. officials paid their respects, reflected on past sacrifices and emphasized the steadfast alliance that remains today. Mrs. Lucia Pascarelli Sinatra, a local entrepreneur and owner of the San Michele estate and Donna Coraly Country Boutique Hotel, cordially invited Italian and U.S. dignitaries to commemorate the official site where the signing took place.
“We are here at San Michele, the site of what was the Fairfield Camp in 1943, part of Operation Husky,” said Sinatra. “Years ago, I had the stone left behind by the soldiers before their departure reproduced. I then decided to take a further step and recreate the military tent where the Armistice was signed. What is important is that this tent now lives again here, on my family’s land.”
The daily operational partnership between Italian and American forces operating across the region, particularly at nearby NAS Sigonella, was highlighted throughout the evening, reinforcing our continued alliance, reliance and support.
"Today, we gather not only to remember that history, but to reaffirm the continued partnership and shared responsibility in preserving the security of our nations," said Martins. "With the signing of the Armistice of Cassibile, Italy and the U.S. has since forged a lasting friendship and strong alliance founded on shared values of democracy and freedom.”
The ceremony concluded with a call to uphold the principles of unity and cooperation established in 1943 that persists to this day.
NAS Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, and advanced logistical support to U.S. and NATO forces. The installation’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability throughout Europe, Africa and Central Asia.
For more news and information from NAS Sigonella, visit: https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Sigonella/ or https://www.facebook.com/nassig.official