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After West Point cadets visited Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, the Florence American Cemetery and Manila American Cemetery staff also welcomed a group of the future military leaders. These visits to three different ABMC sites underscores the importance of ABMC’s mission to connect the students with the history of those who served during World War II.
Following their time in Sicily Rome, the cadets continued their educational journey by visiting Florence American Cemetery. There, they once again presented detailed accounts of soldiers’ lives, honoring the heroes who had fought in Italy. After the presentations in both the Field of Honor and at the Wall of the Missing, the cadets visited the chapel. Eventually, they participated in lowering and folding the flag.
“It was particularly poignant when one of the cadets wove in what it would mean to be the family of a missing servicemember as he told the story of SSgt. Politte and his family,” shared the cemetery’s superintendent Eryth Zecher. Politte, 19, was an Italian American who served in the Army Air Forces, serving as a gunner during World War II.
“SSG Politte went missing during Operation Tidal Wave. The cadets were 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year, so they are the same age as most of the servicemembers commemorated here at FLAC. By sharing the stories and history of the cemetery with them, they will carry it forward and become memory keepers of the valor and sacrifice of the servicemembers.”
Meanwhile, another group of West Point cadets in Manila arrived at the American Cemetery dressed in pristine white uniforms. They arrived just in time for the flag ceremony, witnessing the lowering of the flags with reverence.
The cemetery’s visitor center director, Vicente Lim, expressed appreciation for the cadets’ interest in the site, remarking, “We were so pleased to have them visit, and we encouraged them to return for a more in-depth tour.” The cadets returned four days later for a more comprehensive visit, deepening their understanding of the cemetery’s significance.
The visits to Florence, Manila, like the one to Sicily-Rome, serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made by American soldiers in WWII. For the West Point cadets, these visits are a tribute to those who fought and an opportunity to honor their legacy by learning from their stories and passing them on to future generations.
