Olympic torch ignites community spirit in Vicenza

VICENZA, Italy - The golden glow of the Olympic flame illuminated the streets of Vicenza the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 20, as the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games relay marked a symbolic moment for both U.S. Army Garrison Italy and the local community.

The relay is a monumental feat of logistics, spanning 63 days and covering 12,000 kilometers. It involves 10,001 torchbearers and reaches all 20 Italian regions and 110 provinces across 60 official stages.

Vicenza's Stage 44 began at 6:35 p.m. at the Church of Stanga, continued along Viale della Pace, making a poignant pass along Viale della Pace-directly outside the gates of Caserma Ederle. For the U.S. Army community, the event was more than a parade. For some, it was a homecoming of sorts within the host nation of Italy.

"Seeing the Olympic flame pass right outside our installation was truly special," said Col. Vaughn Strong, commander, USAG Italy.

"Moments like this remind us how extraordinary it is to serve alongside our allies here in Italy -far from home yet embraced by a community that shares these once-in-a-lifetime experiences with us. Seeing our Soldiers, families, and Vicentini standing side by side as the torch went by was something I'll carry with me for a long time."

From Caserma Ederle, the torch continued along Viale Trissino and Corso Padova before weaving through Contrà XX Settembre, Levà degli Angeli, and Corso Palladio. The relay entered Piazza Castello and ultimately reached Piazza dei Signori, where the Olympic cauldron was lit at 7:30 p.m.

Service members and families from the installation gathered along the route to witness the historic moment.

"Being out there along the route and seeing the torch come through Vicenza was something I never imagined I'd experience while in uniform," said Sgt. Benjamin F. Smith stationed on Caserma Del Din, with the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment,173rd Airborne Brigade.

"It felt surreal-one minute you're going through your normal duty day, and the next you're watching a piece of Olympic history pass right in front of you. Sharing that moment with friends, families, and our Italian neighbors made me proud to be stationed here," Smith said.

In keeping with the Olympic spirit, the final stretch along Corso Palladio featured two Italian Olympic legends: Gabriella Dorio, gold medalist in the 1,500 meters at Los Angeles 1984, and Gelindo Bordin, marathon gold medalist at Seoul 1988. The honor of lighting the cauldron went to Mario Vielmo, a Vicenza-born mountaineer who has climbed all fourteen of the world's 8,000-meter peaks.

For the local Vicentini, the evening was a celebration of heritage and the proximity of the upcoming Winter Games in the nearby Alps.

"I'm from Vicenza, and around here growing up skiing in the Dolomites is just part of life. I still wait every winter for the chance to get back on the slopes and now I bring my children with me, which makes it even more special," said Giovanni Albanese, garrison host nation liaison for infrastructure. "You don't usually get the Olympics this close to home, and it's a moment my family and I will never forget."

The 2026 relay began Nov. 26, 2025, in Olympia, Greece-the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games-before traveling to Rome to begin its Italian journey. It will reach its destination on Feb. 6 at Milan's San Siro Stadium for the opening ceremony.

The torch passed through Vicenza during the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics relay, making the 2026 event the city's second opportunity to welcome the iconic flame.

Vicenza native and mountain enthusiast Erica Storti, garrison housing facility manager, said the moment carried deep personal meaning.

"The mountains shaped every chapter of my life, so seeing the Olympic flame here fills me with pride, nostalgia and excitement, as if the world is arriving in my hometown."

At least five U.S. Soldiers from the Army World Class Athlete Program are set to compete in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games. Spc. Sean Doherty will compete in the biathlon. It's his fourth Olympics. Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin, a member of the Vermont Army National Guard, Irwin returns for her second Games to the biathlon. Pvt. Spencer Howe will compete in pairs figure skating event alongside his partner, Emily Chan. Sgt. Frank Del Duca, a 2022 Olympian, will compete in bobsled. Spc. Azaria Hill will also compete in bobsled, her Olympic debut.

For more information, visit https://www.armywcap.com/winterolympians