The graves of the 44 German and seven Italian soldiers buried at the Main Post Cemetery are markers of peace, said Fort Benning German liaison officer LTC Walter Shleef.
While standing near the flags of the two nations, Shleef spoke to those who gathered to observe German and Italian Memorial Day Wednesday.
The holiday is observed at all U.S. military installations where World War II prisoners of war from Italy and Germany are buried.
"These (Soldiers) died ... far away from their homes and families," he said. But they are resting in peace, shoulder to shoulder, with American Soldiers. Isn't it wonderful that former enemies have now become close and trusted friends'"
Della Costanza Turner, honorary consul general of Italy, and Constance Heery, deputy of the Atlanta-based German general consulate, also spoke, expressing hopefulness for the progress that has been made as the three nations move into the future.
Turner said the graveside service was an appropriate setting for the memorial because seeing the headstones was cause for reflection.
"It's one thing to see news on TV and to hear about it, but to come to this cemetery ... you get a sense of the true (cost of war)," she said.
Former Columbus mayor Robert Poydasheff said recognizing German and Italian casualties is a lesson on unity.
"We certainly need the support of the Germans and the Italians in the war on terrorism, particularly in Afghanistan," Poydasheff said.
Shleef said America is Germany's greatest partner.
"World War I and World War II, ... the Holocaust and other crimes executed by Germans are still in our hearts and minds and shape our emotions even today," he said. "The German people are very grateful because of what America did for us."
Italian liaison officer LTC Fabrizio Salerno said the work of soldiers should never go unrecognized.
"Without the sacrifice of our soldiers of the past, and unfortunately the present, we can not have a free country or a free world," Salerno said. "Now (those who died) rest in peace, but they are here forever in our hearts. And we will never forget them."
Social Sharing