Remembering With Gratitude

This past Friday was Veterans Day. It brought to mind our second trip to Rome while we were living in Sicily. We decided to visit the World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial site. It is located 38 miles south of Rome on the northern edge of Nettuno. 

Dan & Vivian (DJ's mom and dad), Dani, Ben, Heather and DJ at the entrance

It was an incredible experience. We were the only ones there ~ 77 acres of a somber yet peaceful atmosphere. The quiet compelled me to think of all the brave, young men and women who sacrificed everything. The majority of these lives were lost during the liberation of Sicily, at the landings in the Salerno Area and Anzio Beach or those involved with air and naval support in those regions.

The Star of David was seen randomly among the beautiful rows of white crosses.

There are 7,861 buried here

The chapel dedicated to the 3,095 missing military members in that region

The dedication plaque outside the chapel in English and Italian

Jobs & home states of MIA's ~ I cried as I ran my hand over these etchings

I'm really glad we were able to visit this cemetery and memorial site. I'm grateful for all our veterans ~ those  who are currently serving, have served in the past and especially those who gave the greatest sacrifice ~ their life.

~~~~~~~

We went to the Veterans Day Parade here in Ogden Saturday morning and to a small ceremony they had afterwards.

Today I'm grateful for:

~the priviledge of living in such a wonderful country because of so many dedicated and courageous men and women
~the love of a Savior who is ever faithful
~winter slowly making its presence known :)

~JanMarie