Sicily–Rome American Cemetery and Memorial

The Sicily–Rome American Cemetery and Memorial is a special place to honor brave soldiers who served during World War II. It is found in Nettuno, a town close to Anzio in Italy. This cemetery is very big, covering an area of 77 acres, and it holds the memories of 7,858 American service members who sadly lost their lives during the war.

The cemetery was finished and opened to the public in 1956. Today, it is taken care of by the American Battle Monuments Commission, a group that looks after places like this to make sure people always remember those who served. Visiting this cemetery helps us learn about the courage of these soldiers and why their sacrifice is so important to history.

History and design

The Sicily–Rome American Cemetery and Memorial was set up in Nettuno on January 24, 1944, just after soldiers landed at Anzio and Nettuno during World War II.

Most of the people buried there died fighting to help free Sicily in 1943, during battles near Salerno, and during the landings at Anzio and Nettuno in 1944. Others died while giving air and sea support during these battles.

Layout

The cemetery covers 77 acres and has a gentle slope that rises from a pool with an island. There are many rows of trees and headstones for American service members who passed away during the war.

A wide path leads to a special memorial building. This building has a chapel, a room with maps, and beautiful gardens. Inside the chapel, the names of those who are missing are written on the walls. In 2014, a visitors’ center opened to share stories and photos about the war in Sicily and Italy.

Notable burials

The Sicily–Rome American Cemetery and Memorial honors many brave soldiers who served during World War II. Some of these soldiers received the Medal of Honor for their courage, such as Sylvester Antolak for actions at the Anzio Beachhead and Robert T. Waugh for actions at the Gustav Line in Italy.

Other notable individuals buried there include Henry T. Waskow, who died at the Battle of San Pietro, and Max Brand, a war reporter and author who passed away in Lazio, Italy. Also buried here is Allen Tupper Brown, stepson of General George C. Marshall, who died near Campoleone.

Papal commemoration

Pope Francis visited the Sicily–Rome American Cemetery and Memorial on All Soul's Day, November 2, 2017. During his visit, he walked through the cemetery and placed flowers on some gravestones, including those of an unknown soldier, an Italian-American soldier, and a Jewish soldier. After this, he celebrated a special service at the cemetery and gave a short speech. Later, he went to the site of the Ardeatine massacre.