Sailors on Board USS New York Celebrate Italy’s Liberation Day

Sailors on board amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) celebrated Italy’s Liberation Day in downtown La Spezia, April 25.

Liberation Day is a national holiday for Italy, and Wednesday marked the 67th anniversary of the fall of Mussolini’s Italian Social Republic.

Commanding Officer Cmdr. Will Herrmann attended the ceremony as a representative of the United States’ support for freedom and independence.

“It is important to take time to remember those who gave their lives for freedom,” said Herrmann.

Lt. Danilo Panti, an Italian sailor, was honored by the U.S. presence. “It is a special day because of the sacrifice of the entire nation to overthrow fascism,” said Panti. “It is important to have a representative of the U.S. Navy here, because we have our freedom because of your support during World War II.”

The ceremony consisted of a military formation, military band, and a wreath-laying at a war memorial.

Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Devon Knight enjoyed participating in the ceremony. “It is always nice to see different traditions and cultures celebrate what is important to them, and it means even more when you can be a part of it,” said Knight.

Knight said the Navy should continue to take advantage of opportunities like these in the future. Doing things like this add to the Navy’s slogan ‘A global for good,’ and gives us the opportunity to spread good will,” said Knight. “It is always good to travel abroad and be an ambassador for the U.S.”

New York, on its maiden deployment, is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. New York is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The New York is the sixth ship named for the state of New York, and the fifth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. Her motto is “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget.”

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Naval Today Staff , April 27, 2012;