Col. Scott Horrigan gives a toast to local mayors at the Mayors Summit during the Caserma Ederle 4th of July event.
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VICENZA, Italy – More than 60 Italian leaders from Vicenza joined U.S. Army Garrison for a biannual mayor’s summit held at Caserma Ederle during the Independence Day celebration.
U.S. and Italian leaders took the opportunity to discuss plans for future events happening in their communities. Italian leaders also recorded social media messages to share news and information about their towns with Americans.
Col. Scott Horrigan, the commander of USAG Italy, shared information about several community partnership events since the group last met in December 2023. This included Soldiers assisting the town of Isola Vicentina during recent flooding and the naming of a post in Longare after a fallen Italian Soldier.
“Our celebration is not just about marking our independence but also honoring the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation we share with you, our Italian friends and partners,” Horrigan said.
Italian Base Commander Colonel Michele Amendolagine with local mayors and guests at the Mayors Summit during the Caserma Ederle 4th of July event.
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Horrigan also explained how the headquarters of Southern European Task Force, Africa, will soon be name after 1st Lt. John Fox, an officer who earned the Medal of Honor fighting in Italy during World War II. Fox, who called in an artillery strike, was later found killed alongside his Italian comrades.
“It’s been 80 years since the end of World War II,” Horrigan said. “We will honor their memory and commemorate our longstanding partnership with the Italian people in the defense of freedom.”
Vicenza Deputy Mayor Isabella Sala and local mayors and at the Mayors Summit during the Caserma Ederle 4th of July event.
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During the event, Italian leaders were treated to American barbecue. Outside, they experienced Independence Day festivities to include live music from Italian and American bands, food, carnival rides and fireworks.
Isabella Sala, the deputy to the Vicenza mayor, first attended a Mayors Summit held during the winter holidays. Now, she got to experience a summer festival and build a stronger rapport with Horrigan and other U.S. military leaders.
“What really impressed me is all the other mayors that came here today,” Sala said. “Together, in the province of Vicenza, you can really understand how much all the mayors care about this relationship.”