Memorial

Last year, on Nov 8th, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed on the banks of the Piave River, not far from Aviano AB, killing six U.S. troops and injuring five more. As you know, our family was close to two of the men who died in the crash. Not only did we lose them, but it felt as if their families were ripped prematurely from us as well. Saturday, on the Anniversary of the crash, a large group of Italians and Americans gathered together to remember the six service members who died.

The banks of the Piave River have long been associated with tragedy even before U.S. service members called Italy their home. An estimated 80,000 Italian troops died during battles with the Austro-Hungarian Empire in World War I along this very waterway. Countless others died in earlier conflicts. Some of the largest Bases/Posts in Italy are named after Italian heroes who died at this exact location.

On Saturday — not far from the crash site, a memorial was dedicated to them — and the memories of the fallen from years past. Brig. Gen Franklin, our Base Commander said, "This memorial symbolizes yet another bond between two nations tied together in history." Family members and four of the five service members injured on the flight also attended — two of them had noticeable problems walking, as they dropped flowers on the new memorial. All five are still in the military, though several still face medical review boards that might require them to leave the service.

The injured and family members attended a private service at the crash site earlier in the day. Later they were joined by several bus loads of airmen from the base along with an equal number of Italians at the dedication for the new memorial.The memorial consists of six metal bars set close together in a line, separating a stone slab with six indentations from a short walkway. A plaque lists the names of the Americans who died and the circumstances of their deaths.The ceremony was very touching, and you could tell this horrible tragedy affected both Italians and Americans alike, but it also left a bond that will last a lifetime...