FORT RILEY, Kan. -- German and Italian flags adorned many gravestones Nov. 20 during the annual German and Italian Memorial Ceremony at the Fort Riley Post Cemetery.
Each year, the sacrifices and lives of 62 German and 11 Italian POWs are honored at Fort Riley, where they were laid to rest.
German and Italian Soldiers serving at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, participated in the ceremony and placed wreaths in honor of the POWs.
About 4,500 POWs spent time at Fort Riley during World War II. Some died of illnesses or accidents during that time, and some stayed in the local area after the war was over.
"They lived as foreign Soldiers living thousands of miles away from home, but they are not forgotten," said German Army Col. Carsten Treder. "It is our obligation to pay our respects to them, especially when their families are not able to do so."
Both Treder and Italian Army Lt. Col. Massimiliano Mongillo spoke to the crowd attending the ceremony.
After their remarks and the placing of the wreaths, a 21-gun salute was rendered, followed by the German and Italian versions of "Taps" played on the trumpet.
The POWs lying in the same ground as fallen American Soldiers represents how much progress has been made and how the relationships between the nations have changed for the better, Treder said.
Mongillo shared Treder's sentiments about the importance of international partnerships.
"As we remember these German and Italian Soldiers, our thoughts and prayers are for all of the men and women who have served their countries," he said. "We should always honor our service members, no matter the uniform they wear."
Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Schmidt attended the ceremony and said he was grateful to be able to honor POWs alongside international allies.
"This ceremony is just one thing that shows the collaborative effort between the nations, and I think it's a good partnership," he said. "They are fighting alongside of us in the Global War on Terror and some other humanitarian missions. I think it is good that we honor them together."
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