ABETONE-CUTIGLIANO — In a solemn mountain ceremony, U.S. and Italian officials came together on July 27 to honor those who fought and died along the Gothic Line during World War II, highlighting the legacy of both American Soldiers and the Italian resistance.
The ceremony, held in Pian di Novello, in Pistoia province, commemorated the lives of troops who gave everything to liberate Italy from fascist occupation. Sgt. Major Tameka Horne, Sgt. First Class Victor Benavides, Sgt. Alan Bayot with the 839th Transportation Battalion, and Spc. Daniel Perez, 529th MP Company attended the ceremony representing the U.S. Military. Horne delivered a powerful speech on behalf of the U.S. military community at Camp Darby.
“Thank you for welcoming us here to this beautiful and solemn place, on this auspicious occasion,” Horne said. “It is with deep respect and gratitude that we gather today to remember, to honor, and to reflect.”
Horne paid tribute not only to American soldiers, but also to the Italian partisans who risked their lives to resist Nazi occupation. She highlighted the contributions of Commander Manrico Ducceschi, known by the nickname of “Pippo,” a legendary figure in the Italian resistance.
“Commander Pippo dedicated himself fully to the cause of resistance,” Horne said. “When Allied troops made contact with his forces, they found in him not just a partner in battle, but a leader whose integrity and discipline had earned the loyalty of his men.”
Ducceschi’s unit was one of the few resistance groups allowed to keep their weapons and continue fighting alongside U.S. forces. For his bravery and leadership, he was awarded the Bronze Star by the U.S. Army.
“His true legacy lives on in the quiet freedom of these hills, in the lives that were spared, and in the generations that followed, free to speak, to gather, and to dream,” Horne said.
The event is part of a broader community relations program at Camp Darby in which U.S. service members participate in commemorative ceremonies throughout Italy to mark the nation’s liberation. Camp Darby, located near Pisa and just south of the Gothic Line, plays a key role in maintaining these historic ties. Many of the battles that shaped the final phase of the Italian campaign were fought in this region.
The goal of the program is to instill historical awareness in younger servicemembers while strengthening cultural ties with host communities.
“It’s about more than remembrance,” Horne said. “It’s about learning the value of freedom through understanding the history and culture of those who fought beside us. That connection is what shapes our values today.”
Among the guests was Maurizio Petrucci, city councilor of Abetone/Cutigliano, who praised the enduring alliance between Italy and the United States.
“It is with great honor that we celebrate today the life of a hero,” Petrucci said. “Thank you to the U.S. military community of Camp Darby for the graceful and meaningful speech.”
The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying, and a moment of silence offering a respectful pause to reflect on the history shared between the local community and the U.S. military.
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