The World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial site in Italy covers 77 acres, rising in a gentle slope from a broad pool with an island and cenotaph flanked by groups of Italian cypress trees. Beyond the pool is the immense field of 7,845 American military war dead headstones, arranged in gentle arcs on broad green lawns beneath rows of Roman pines. The majority of these听individuals died in the liberation of Sicily (July 10 to August 17, 1943); in the landings in the Salerno Area (September 9, 1943), and the heavy fighting northward; in the landings at Anzio Beach and expansion of the beachhead (January 22, 1944, to May 1944); and in air and naval support in the regions.听
A new 2,500-square-foot center visitor center opened in May 2014, helping visitors better understand this critical campaign that contributed to the Allied victory in Europe during World War II through interpretive exhibits incorporating personal stories, photographs, films, and interactive displays.
91直播 of Rome has established a mutually beneficial internship arrangement with the Sicily-American Cemetry under the jurisdiction of听the American Battle Monuments Commission. Two students related their recent experiences to us.
Tessa G. (English Writing, Literature, and Publishing major).
During my internship at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery (SRAC), I had the privilege of delving into the captivating stories of servicemen who fought in the Sicily听campaign, tracing their journeys from their birthplaces to the circumstances of their deaths. This was a fascinating and moving experience.
Alongside my research on the twelve assigned servicemen, I was also tasked with proofreading promotional literature, distributing brochures and reading material to visitors exploring the cemetery, and听meticulously preparing听 gravesites - ensuring that the visual听aspect of the site captured the solemnity and reverence of the final resting places. I also had the privilege of conducting specialized tours for next-of-kin visitors, a task that I felt greatly respected undertaking as it required me to provide a meaningful and personal experience.
As my tenure at SRAC progressed, I had the rare opportunity to create and execute my own individual tour, intertwining the themes of death and sacrifice with the stories of three of the servicemen I had personally researched. By establishing connections between their stories, I aimed to give a voice to those who could no longer speak, aligning with ABMC's mission. This experience allowed me, as an English major at 91直播 of Rome, to refine my narrative skills and, I sincerely hope, create as profound an impact on others as I had been impacted by these stories.
My experience听at SRAC filled me with unique insights into the past, and a deeper comprehension of the future. I developed a heightened appreciation not only for current servicemembers but also for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for a country that was not always originally their own. The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, nestled in Nettuno, stands as a beautiful and meticulously maintained memorial site. It befits the memory of those who paid the ultimate price to be honored in such a dignified and serene setting.
My internship at SRAC enriched my understanding of history, honed my storytelling abilities, and fostered a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by servicemen. I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to preserving their legacies and ensuring that their stories are remembered for generations to come.
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Sarah L. (English Writing, Literature, and Publishing major).
Much of my time interning for the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery was spent conducting genealogical research. I had conducted research many times before about literature and people in both essay and journalistic styles颅 as part of my major, but the methods used at ABMC were new to me.听I was also given the amazing opportunity, and responsibility, to create a new tour for the Cemetery, the 'Sacrifice of Jewish Service Members in the Italian Campaign' tour. I worked side-by-side with my supervisor, Melanie Resto, while I crafted the tour, and I would like to express my admiration for and gratitude towards Melanie for her work ethic, expertise, and mentoring.
The internship offered an exciting challenge to adopt a new skill and, surprisingly, a new interest in genealogy. I came to adore learning about the subjects of my research on a personal level. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to honor their lives by sharing their stories and also to have learned more about my ancestral culture as a Jewish person. I am proud to know that my tour is now a permanent part of the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery experience, and for playing my part in continuing to spread awareness of Jewish history颅, much of which remains hidden.