 American service members, their families, and military from other nations gathered to commemorate the lives of American service members who died in battle that followed the capture of Rome more than 70 years ago. Today, we remember and honor the men and women buried and memorialized here. We thank them for their sacrifices, for we know that freedom is not free. For all those who mourn a loved one buried here, I offer you the gratitude of a nation and the insurance that we will never forget. For one service member, the site is very humbling. During the ceremony that we had here itself, I got a little teary-eyed a little bit just hearing some of the words that people were saying. One service member makes me feel proud to be a part in the military and also just to be able to come here and see everybody else participate and share in the experience of everybody that's gave what they gave to our country. The Florence American Cemetery is one of 14 cemeteries maintained overseas by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Petty Officer Mandy Washington, Florence, Italy.