U.S. Army Garrison Italy joins Italian partners to commemorate 9/11

PADOVA, Italy - Soldiers and firefighters from U.S. Army Garrison Italy joined Italian officials Sept. 11 to mark the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America.

The ceremony, held beside Padova's Memoria e Luce monument, honored the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93.

Maj. Jonathan Kuhn, USAG Italy's Director of Emergency Services and provost marshal, also took part. They were joined by several USAG Italy firefighters from Caserma Ederle in Vicenza. Kuhn, who recently arrived in Italy, said he was moved by the ceremony.

"It's a unique opportunity to be overseas and still be able to pay homage to the tragic events from that day," said Kuhn. "It's particularly significant to myself and the team as members of the military and first responders, both police and fire, to spend time with our Italian partner first responders in remembering this event."

Hundreds of Italians attended, including civic and military leaders from the Veneto Region. Local associations and veterans held their banners in formation. Leaders placed two laurel wreaths-one by the City of Padova and another by the U.S. Army. A poignant moment followed, when a bugler Il Silenzio, played the Italian version of "Taps."

Col. Vaughn Strong, commander of USAG Italy, and his senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Riccardo Moreno, were among those who took part. Strong shared how the attacks shaped his military career.

"9/11 impacted my life from the moment I saw it on television and had just finished Ranger school and getting ready to go to Korea," Strong said. "24 years and multiple deployments later, it has only strengthened my resolve to support the nation."

Mayor Sergio Giordani and the Veneto Region Councilor Roberto Marcato offered speeches. They were followed by Jeff Nakagawa, representing the U.S. Consulate in Milan.

The hourlong ceremony is held by the city of Padova each year beside a 56-foot-tall structure that includes a 20-foot steel beam from the wreckage of the South Tower, donated by the U.S. State Department in recognition of the deep historical ties between Italy and America. Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, who also designed the World Trade Center reconstruction, said the monument is an everlasting memory and a symbol of peace, freedom, and cultural unity.