In January of 1944, American and Allied troops conducted an amphibious landing operation called Operation Shingle, which began the battle for Anzio. An estimated 24,000 American service members were killed during the months-long battle, but it gave the allies a beachhead in Central Italy, and helped to break the back of Nazi forces.
On January 22, American and Italian servicemembers and officials observed the 82nd anniversary of the Anzio battle. Notable speakers included the U.S. Ambassador to Vatican City, Bryant Burch, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Rafferty, who is the chief of staff of U.S. European Command.
"This cemetery is a testament to what makes America great," said Master Sgt. Joshua Van Horn, who served with one of the units deployed to Anzio, but many years later in Afghanistan. "Eighty-two years later, these graves are still cared for. What other country does that? Honoring Soldiers who died liberating others."
The speakers during the ceremony made the point that the cemetery where the Allied soldiers from the battle are buried is not simply a resting place for the fallen, but a place that should guide us in our current lives.