Rome marks Remembrance Day 80 years from WWII end

 ROME – British and Commonwealth military personnel, diplomats and civilians gathered at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in the Roman district of Testaccio to mark Remembrance Day, 80 years after the end of World War II.

 It was a warm November day, and the sun shone over the graves of 426 Commonwealth soldiers who gave their lives in WWII, either falling during the Allied liberation of Italy or as prisoners of war. The poignant service reflected on the 80 years since the end of WWII.

 The cemetery, located just within the Aurelian walls, was an oasis of peace, solemnity and reflection on Tuesday, as people gathered to remember all those who have given their lives in WWI and wars since, for the freedom of their countries.

 The inscription above the entrance of the cemetery expresses gratitude to the soldiers resting in the cemetery who “restored the freedom of Italy and the ancient friendship of the Italian and British people.”

 The service was officiated by the Rev’d Canon Robert Warren of the All Saints’ Anglican Church, Rev’d Sarah Mae Gabuyo from the Ponte Sant’Angelo Methodist Church and Fr Anthony SooHoo S.J., pastor of the Anglophone Community at the Oratorio di San Francesco del Caravita.

 The ceremony began with the hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” Readings were then given by Major General John Clark OBE, reading Revelation21:1-7, and the Deputy Head of the British Mission to Italy, David Burton, who read the poem “Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep.”

 This was followed by the Act of Remembrance, in which those present remembered “those who have died for their country in war, those who were our enemies, those whom we knew and whose memory we treasure, all who have lived and died in the service of humanity.” A minute of silence was observed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, following which St George’s British international school chamber choir sang “Requiem for a Soldier.”

 Wreaths were laid by David Burton, Major General John Mead, Col. Gerardo Contristano and Ms Claudia Scimonelli, as well as other ambassadors, representatives and associations

 Major Erica Bridge, the first female military attaché in Rome and the first woman to lead the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and her husband Lieut. Col. Simon Toby Wass Bridge, who was awarded the Canadian medal of bravery for his life-saving actions in Croatia in 1995, were amongst the military personnel in attendance.

 The service closed with a rousing rendition of the hymn “I Vow to Thee, My Country.” A reception at Villa Wolkonsky, the residence of the British Ambassador, followed where diplomats, military personnel and other representatives discussed their service to their country.

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