NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy -- In September of 2001 tragedy struck America in New York City and rippled
throughout the country. While Americans felt the brunt of the pain and loss,
people across oceans also shared the burden.
“September 11th was a day
that changed the world,” said Armando Glorioso, mayor of Nissoria, while
addressing the citizens of the town and U.S. service members
present.
Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task
Force Crisis Response-Africa, participated in a September 11th memorial in
Nissoria, Italy, Sept. 22, 2015.
Since 2002 the annual memorial is
conducted to commemorate the lives of two Nissorian citizens, Vincenzo Fazio and
Salvatore Lopes, who lost their lives that day.
“I believe it is
important to remember this tragedy,” Glorioso said. “We must remember that love
can conquer all and we can overcome.”
For the last 13 years American
service members have been invited by the mayor of Nissoria to attend the
memorial that recognizes the global impact that day had.
“The deep
sympathy they felt for our nation was not something I had ever realized,” said
1st Lt. John Cabbage, H&S company commander with SPMAGTF-CR-AF. “It was very
touching for me because we understand how it impacted our society as Americans,
but we don’t always think about the impact on other countries.
Service
members from the Army and Air Force also attended the memorial which included a
short parade, a wreath-laying and ceremony in the village’s park, and ended with
dinner.
“It was great to be invited to be a part of something so close to
our hearts and for the people to accept us and want us to be a part of it,” said
Cabbage. “To hear in person that they support us and our war on terrorism is
pretty special.”
Together the people of Nissoria and Americans are healing by
remembering the lives lost that day 14 years ago.
“Commemorating this
tragedy strengthens the relationship between the community of Sigonella and the
community of Nissoria,” said Glorioso, who hopes to continue the annual
commemoration with the Americans.