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Soldiers, civilians, police and firefighters gathered in various venues in Northern Italy to commemorate the anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Soldiers assigned to Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy participated in ceremonies in Padua, Italy as well as Vicenza. (U.S. Army Africa photos)

American, Italian communities remember 9-11

Sept. 12, 2012 — By Sgt. Terysa M. King USARAF Public Affairs

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VICENZA, Italy – Soldiers and civilians of the American and Italian community gathered at the Chiesa dei Servi in downtown Vicenza not only to pay respects and honor the lives lost during Sept. 11, but to make sure this tragic event will never be forgotten.

Anyone who was old enough to witness and understand this terrorist attack can easily remember what they felt when they saw the Twin Towers collapse. Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahue, commander, U.S. Army Africa, recalls the feelings he had on that fateful day.

“I remember feeling frustrated on that day because I was a Soldier responsible for defending my country, but had no idea of how to do so. I couldn’t respond because I had no idea who attacked us or why. I distinctly remember looking at the empty skies and the quiet streets as most traffic in the U.S. stopped because we did not know if another mode of conveyance would serve as the next suicide bomb,” Donahue said.

Mayor of Vicenza Achille Variati said Sept. 11 became a great planetary symbol that will withstand the test of time. Variati, like most people today, can remember every detail of the attacks like they were yesterday.

“We all have in our eyes, even today, after so many years, the vision of the Twin Towers on that clear September morning: the image of one of the towers in flames. The second plane approaching. The crash. The explosion. The second tower burning. The smoke. The sirens. The panic. The cries. The collapse of the towers,” Variati said.

To further stress the powerful symbol the terrorist attacks have become, Variati said Sept. 11 transformed itself from a symbol of fear and pain to hope.

READ FULL STORY | VIEW MORE PHOTOS | Southern Accord 2012