The European Union was founded on the principles of peace
and unity, in attempt to prevent the world from ever witnessing the horrific
scene of a world war again. Monday May 26
th, 2014 marked the 69
th
year of the end of the last world war that shook Europe to its core. One can,
and should, go to Arlington cemetery just on the outskirts of Washington D.C.’s
center and witness the thousands upon thousands of brave men and women who gave
everything for our country and one should marvel in the splendor of their
death. However, there are more precious gravesites scattered all over this
earth in constant remembrance of those men. One being along the Gothic Line,
which is several miles outside the center of Florence Italy.
The
Florence American Cemetery holds over 1400 men, and remembers nearly 4000 plus
men who are missing in action till this day – sobering can’t describe the
emotion that hits upon entering the memorial site. May 26
th,
Memorial Day, saw both the American brigades and Italian brigades stand in
unity as taps played gently through the air, while a 21 gun salute pierced the
pain that was left behind. These 1400 American men died at the Battle of
Florence, never to see their home, never to watch their children grow, never to
kiss their wives all for the name of freedom. Yet, what they sacrificed allowed
the preservation of one of the most famous cities in the entire world. Towns
like Chiussi and Ravenna were complete destroyed; yet, Florence was salvaged.
Thankfully, both Nazi and American commanders realized the significance of
Florence and mandated that troops did minimal damage. The clock tower and
façade of the Duomo received the most damage, as it was necessary to destroy
both as German snipers reined terror down on the allied forces trapped around
the Baptistery.
69 years ago men fought to liberate
Italy, men fought to preserve a culture doomed to be blown away from the
memories of time just as Napoleon tried to do to Brussels. The significance
that lies in the cemetery lies six feet below the surface. Oh the precious
ground, the surreal feeling that surrounds me is overwhelming. I get emotional
when I visit Arlington, but this emotion is different. It’s gripping. I
encourage you who may read this to go to this cemetery, breath in the
sacrifice, take in the history that lies beneath you. The Gothic Line was
bloody, it was terrific for those 19-24 year old men, it was death for 1400 and
here they will lay for all the remember them just behind the Gothic Line.
