The 70th anniversary of Italy's liberation from enemy occupying forces was commemorated in Vicenza with a series of formal events including a Mass, a parade, a wreath laying tribute and a formal ceremony in Piazza dei Signori April 25.
"It was here in Vicenza on the 28th day of that historic April seventy years ago at around 11 a.m., among a cheering throng waving flags and white handkerchiefs, that the American troops of the 5th Army along with the brave partisans arrived in town, putting an end to an horrific nightmare," said Vicenza Mayor Achille Variati in his opening remarks.
Variati led the celebrations marking the victory of the liberators together with civilian and military authorities in Piazza dei Signori as well as veterans, members of partisan associations and more than one thousand people.
Paying tribute to all the Soldiers who fought for Italy's liberation during World War II, Variati publicly recognized Vicenza U.S. Army Garrison commander Col. Robert L. Menist for his presence and expressed gratitude for the continued American commitment to honor those who defended our freedom and democracy."
"I was honored by the acknowledgement and humbled to have taken part in the remembrance of our Soldiers who fought bravely alongside Italian heroes and suffered beyond any degree we can imagine today. They paid the ultimate sacrifice for the peace and freedom we have enjoyed these past 70 years," Menist said.
Commenting on the importance of the special anniversary and the great participation shown by the people of Vicenza, Menist said, "Some might say that the liberation will fade in memory as those who experienced it first-hand become fewer in number. But from what I see here today, I do not think that will happen in Vicenza. So long as we continue to come together to remember and commemorate also the contribution of the Soldiers of the 5th Army and the freedom they brought to an occupied people, the value of that sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Celebrations ended with a civic oration delivered by Professor Carla Poncino, director of the "Gallo" Contemporary History Institute in Vicenza.
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