U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus, spoke on the Senate floor about his introduction of a resolution to designate September 9th as National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.).
In his remarks, Moran highlighted the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the World War II Italian Campaign, including his father, Staff Sergeant Raymond Moran of the 603rd Armament Maintenance Battalion.
“I am introducing a resolution to establish September 9th as the ‘National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day’ to commemorate their valor and ensure their legacy endures for generations to come,” said Moran. “Eighty-two years ago, Allied forces launched Operation Avalanche, marking the start of the liberation of the Italian peninsula from fascist Nazi occupation. This military campaign was a testament to the unyielding resolve of U.S. Forces and the strength of our foreign military alliances, united by a shared commitment to democratic ideals and the fight against fascism.”
Moran noted that less than half a percent of more than 16 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive today. He emphasized that veterans from this campaign are dwindling in number: “The veterans of the Italian Campaign, including my father, Staff Sergeant Raymond Moran of the 603rd Armament Maintenance Battalion, are dwindling in number. My father dedicated two years of his life to the liberation of Italy, repairing rifles and other small arms weapons under the regular threat of attack to make certain U.S. Forces were equipped to win.”
He continued: “Today, I want to recognize the upcoming anniversary of an important day in our nation’s history. September 9th marks the beginning of the Italian Campaign of World War II in 1943, a campaign that only successful because of the courage and sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of U.S. and Allied.”
Moran described how Allied forces faced difficult conditions across various terrains during operations that led ultimately to Rome’s liberation—the first major European city freed during World War II—and mentioned intense battles such as Monte Cassino and Anzio.
He also acknowledged Senator Rick Scott’s father Orba Scott Junior’s service as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division during this campaign.
“Our fathers’ sacrifices were not unlike the 1.2 million men and women who also served in the Italian campaign and I want to express my gratitude to the Allies Museum for their support and work to memorialize this important World War II campaign by building a museum in Rome to commemorate the ‘forgotten campaign.’”
Moran explained that after nearly two years—602 days—the campaign ended with Axis troops surrendering at Caserta north of Naples on April 29, 1945; almost one million German forces capitulated at that time.
“The following day, Adolf Hitler’s death marked the collapse of the fascist Nazi regime, a turning point made possible by military operations comprising the Italian Campaign,” he said.
“This resolution acknowledges tremendous cost…with hundreds of thousands U.S. and Allied casualties,” added Moran.
He concluded: “Our resolution reaffirms that victory was driven by an unwavering force of will, ironclad military alliances, and enduring power democratic values principles remain vital today’s global conflicts today…Let us designate September 9th as ‘National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day’ ensure their sacrifices never forgotten memorialized floor U.S. Senate.”
Alerts Sign-up