Memorial Day in Firenze, Italia
Our time in Italy started in Florence, in the Tuscan region of the country. After a long day of traveling and learning how important timeliness is in Italy (spoiler alert: not that important) we made it to our hostel. We only had one full day in Florence before Rome and I wanted to make the most of it by visiting the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. This World War II cemetery is home to the final resting place of over 4,000 American service men and women (four women to be exact) including my great uncle: Clarence Holthaus, Sargent, U.S. Army, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.
Clarence fought and died early in the Battle of Anzio, on January 30, 1944. According to the caretaker of the cemetery it was uncommon for someone from his division to be buried in Florence, since most would have been buried in Rome, but there was so much chaos after the war to return the deceased home or keep them in Europe that it was understandable that he ended up in the Tuscan hills. The cemetery is a beautiful facility just outside of Florence. The graves go up a hill where there is a monument, a chapel, and a list of missing soldiers that look out onto exactly what you would think Tuscany looks like.
It's amazing the impact that war has on us. There are so many soldiers buried here in Florence yet it is just a fraction of who we lost in World War II. My grandpa, Bernard Holthaus, also served in the war and never mentioned it while I was growing up, as far as I can remember. I don't know if it was losing his brother or other, unspeakable realities of war but it has taken a lot of effort by my dad, my mom, and myself to pay our respects to Clarence and to appreciate what Papa went through. We recently were able to receive reissues the medals that both Papa and Clarence earned and I'm so proud of both of them and am thankful I was able to visit Clarence this Memorial Day weekend. There were flags, both American and Italian, by every headstone. The only days of the year they are decorated this way is Memorial Day and the day before. Unfortunately, we will miss the Memorial Day service, but it was incredible to see the preparation and care that is put into maintaining this sacred place.
The rest of our day in Firenze was spent exploring the city, visiting the Galileo science museum, and beginning our tour of Italian food. Next stop is Roma!
Clarence fought and died early in the Battle of Anzio, on January 30, 1944. According to the caretaker of the cemetery it was uncommon for someone from his division to be buried in Florence, since most would have been buried in Rome, but there was so much chaos after the war to return the deceased home or keep them in Europe that it was understandable that he ended up in the Tuscan hills. The cemetery is a beautiful facility just outside of Florence. The graves go up a hill where there is a monument, a chapel, and a list of missing soldiers that look out onto exactly what you would think Tuscany looks like.
It's amazing the impact that war has on us. There are so many soldiers buried here in Florence yet it is just a fraction of who we lost in World War II. My grandpa, Bernard Holthaus, also served in the war and never mentioned it while I was growing up, as far as I can remember. I don't know if it was losing his brother or other, unspeakable realities of war but it has taken a lot of effort by my dad, my mom, and myself to pay our respects to Clarence and to appreciate what Papa went through. We recently were able to receive reissues the medals that both Papa and Clarence earned and I'm so proud of both of them and am thankful I was able to visit Clarence this Memorial Day weekend. There were flags, both American and Italian, by every headstone. The only days of the year they are decorated this way is Memorial Day and the day before. Unfortunately, we will miss the Memorial Day service, but it was incredible to see the preparation and care that is put into maintaining this sacred place.
The rest of our day in Firenze was spent exploring the city, visiting the Galileo science museum, and beginning our tour of Italian food. Next stop is Roma!
Will I'm so glad you visited this cemetery. I'm not sure, but i don't think it has had a family visitor ever. It looks like a beautiful place. I shared this with Papa and he appreciated it. Thanks for the photos!
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