CAMP DARBY, Italy – Dozens of Italian military members and their children took part in the Darby Military Community’s Halloween activities Oct. 27, giving them a chance to join the festive spirit, learn American traditions and fill their bags with candy.
“I am so glad my kids can enjoy some America in Italy,” said an Italian military member from the Pisa-based 46th Air Brigade, who asked to not be identified by name.
For Americans, Halloween is annual tradition, a time to decorate homes, dress up in costumes and go door-to-door collecting candies. Once unusual to Italian children, Halloween celebrations have expanded worldwide. Children everywhere want to put on costumes and go trick-or-treating. Italian guests were grateful to get a taste of the mostly American traditions.
“I am having fun,” said Giulia, a three-year-old dependent of an Italian military member. “I like this fest.”
At Camp Darby, children gathered at the post library for a spooky story hour. They also took part on a Trunk or Treat, a variation of trick-or-treat where community members create elaborate decorations at the trunk of their car and pass out candies. Community volunteers decorated more than 30 vehicles.
Many U.S. families from Camp Darby took part. This year, the garrison invited military members from neighboring Italian units, to include the 46th Air Brigade, the Interagency Center for Military Applications Studies and Italian Army Special Forces Command.
“Inviting our friends and families with Italian military forces is a way to share our
traditions offering a real taste of America,” said Robert Chartier, U.S. Army Garrison Italy, Deputy Garrison Manager, who dressed as a vampire for the story time.
There were games and experiments, shooting water with the fire department hoses. At dusk, airmen from the 731st Munitions Squadron treated visitors to a haunted house, complete with frightening screams heard from far off.
One four-year-old, Leonardo, the son of a military member loved getting candies and exploring military vehicles. His father, who also asked not to be name, said the event was great for partnership.
“It is a great initiative,” he said. “Our military installations are very close and sharing events help create brotherhood.”
Social Sharing