Memorial Day is a solemn day honoring more than one million service members who gave their lives to protect our country, values, and freedom we enjoy today. In Europe, our bravest fought valiantly—and died heroically—to preserve peace, liberty, and security. I can assure you the gratitude across the European Continent endures. Our allies and partners have not forgotten that U.S. service members died far from home so freedom would prevail over tyranny.
Memorial Day is a special day of remembrance for Americans. But we pause also to remember allies and civilians lost. Two World Wars decimated two generations of families and towns—changing nations on both sides of the Atlantic forever. This year our remembrance is different—we must honor our fallen virtually—but it is no less solemn.
It’s fitting to observe this hallowed day from Naples, Italy, home of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, where we again face a common enemy. The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across Italy, Europe, and the United States, yet it reinforces our shared values and dedication to maintain peace for all.
This is not the first time we have faced a common enemy and prevailed. Italy and the United States have been united and committed to freedom and security since World War II. Sixty-seven Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic acts to liberate Italy from the grips of fascism.
Neapolitans also fought this fight. From 27–30 September 1943, the “Four Days of Naples,” or Quattro Giornate di Napoli, witnessed Neapolitans take up arms against the Nazis—a crime punishable by immediate execution. They set up barricades throughout the city and used Molotov cocktails to attack German tanks. The ensuing skirmishes contributed to Nazi Colonel Walter Scholl’s order to evacuate Naples. These brave Neapolitans helped pave the way for the arrival of Allied forces in Naples on 1 October, and undoubtedly saved American and Allied lives as a result.
World War II was the deadliest war in history with as many as 85 million fatalities. The scale and breadth remain difficult to imagine. As we buried heroes, mended the injured, and the dust settled from the global destruction, we vowed this would never again happen. That promise manifested itself in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO remains the strongest, most effective alliance the world has ever known. Our Allies and partners have been integral in ensuring peace and stability in Europe, which ultimately protects our homeland and way of life back in the United States. Three weeks ago we commemorated the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe. This anniversary also marked 75 years of peace.
It is inspiring that some of our World War II and Cold War adversaries have now become key NATO allies. These notably include Italy and Germany, but former Warsaw Pact countries like Poland, Romania, and many former Soviet satellite states as well. For all united in the Allied cause we were, and continue to be, unified by mutual values and commitment to stability.
Today, we are fighting a new enemy in COVID-19. In Gaeta, Naples, and Signolla; as well as in Rota, Spain; Souda Bay, Greece; Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, and every country where our people serve, we have quarantined together and worked closely with our host nations to follow and ensure the health of our forces and their communities.
Containing the coronavirus requires a unified effort. Through maximum compliance with local government decrees, and the frontline efforts of health care workers at hospitals, we have kept people healthy. We stand united with our allies in this fight, and we will prevail together again. We also recognize the COVID-19 fight has hidden heroes: first responders, grocery clerks, public transportation workers. Courageous people who provide critical services and supplies during uncertain times.
Together, we formed a virtual bubble enabling our Navy to maintain readiness and an active presence during this pandemic. In close consultation with our host nations and adherence to all protocols, we continue to patrol the Black, Baltic, Mediterranean, and Norwegian Seas. For the first time in 35 years, we had four U.S warships and a British frigate operating in the Barents Sea.
While the world collectively fights COVID-19, our mission to provide maritime security and deterrence remains the same. We continue to stand the watch. Together with our Allies, we are undeterred by this pandemic. Our commitment to security in Europe and maintaining the hard-fought peace earned 75 years ago is strong as ever. Our Allies and partners are integral to success in ensuring peace and stability in this theater, and ultimately peace and tranquility at home.
As you read this, our forces are at sea, in the air, and on land ensuring freedom is never taken for granted, nor ever ceded to an adversary. Memorial Day reminds us of our resolve.
On Monday, our flag will be at half-staff to remember the sacrifice that over one million American men and women gave in service to our great nation. Their last full measure of devotion. At noon, it will be hoisted smartly to the top of the flagpole by the living, demonstrating our commitment to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain.
As the sun sets on Memorial Day, I encourage each of you to take a moment to remember those who have gone before us—our brave brothers and sisters, who courageously went into harm’s way to defend our freedom. Remember as well our Allies and partners who join us in championing liberty, democracy, human rights, and rule of law.
