American Military Cemetery in Italy

I was the lone Canadian in a flock of Americans and this stop was, obviously, of great interest to the rest of the group. Nevertheless, I was happy to visit. My own father and my beloved Uncle Art, after all, signed up to the Royal Canadian Air Force shortly after the Second World War began. They had been prepared to give their lives to defend the values of Europe and Canada against the demon Hitler. 

These brave souls here did pay that ultimate price. It is right and proper that we all take a moment to remember them: all who paid the price with their lives or who had been willing to do so, those who fought in conflicts from the past and those currently serving in the military - all to keep the values of the Western World safe. 

 

I was moved by the flag folding ceremony and touched to see what a beautiful, serene, pleasant and well tended this area is, serving as it does as the final resting place for these brave men.

In Florence that had been a little shower or two. Consequently I had taken out my plastic rain poncho. Now I needed to put it back in its little pouch. I was having difficulty so Maggie got out of her seat in the bus to help me. 

Please note it was a very subdued bus load of people given the somber nature of the military cemetery visit and flag folding ceremony. As she helped me, Louis could not resist and said, “And now we have the solemn folding of the poncho!” 

Everyone laughed! 

The tension was broken! 

Thank you Louis!