Veteran’s Day Concert at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery
November 11, 2019
(As prepared for delivery)
Vice President Carfagna, Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, veterans, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for being here today.
Welcome to today’s ceremony and thank you for honoring the service members here who rest in peace. I am deeply humbled to be standing with you today as we pay tribute to these brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.
I would like to thank the cemetery Superintendent, Melanie Resto, for maintaining this solemn landmark, and the students of the Chris Capell College for their wonderful performance. Finally, I would like to thank the Veterans of Foreign Wars for their attendance.
I would especially like to extend my appreciation to Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies Mara Carfagna for bringing this delegation of the U.S.-Italy friendship section of the interparliamentary union to visit the cemetery. Your presence here underscores the importance of our shared history and depth of the bond between our two countries.
Out of the devastation and horror of the Second World War arose a new transatlantic partnership between Italy and the United States, anchored in shared values. This partnership has helped bring about an unprecedented period of peace and stability in Europe.
Italy and the United States remain committed to the cause of freedom throughout the world. From stabilization operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to the Italian-American military presence along NATO’s eastern flank, American and Italian troops with their service continue to honor the memories of those who gave their lives for the same principles seventy years ago.
Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your presence here today. Our commitment to pay tribute to our veterans and fallen heroes here and at other battlefield memorials across Europe is a recognition that their sacrifice is a debt that can never be repaid.
Thank you.
