Congress Designates September 9, 2025, as National WWII Italian Campaign Remembrance Day

This resolution officially designates September 9, 2025, as "National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day." Simply put, this is Congress taking a moment to formally recognize and honor the massive, often overlooked, sacrifices made by American and Allied soldiers who fought to liberate Italy from German occupation during World War II.

The Italian Campaign was not a quick fight; it was one of the longest continuous combat operations of the war, lasting 602 grueling days. The resolution highlights that the effort kicked off with the invasion of Sicily in July 1943, involved brutal, prolonged battles like Monte Cassino and Anzio, and ultimately led to the liberation of Rome in June 1944. This wasn't a small operation, either: the text notes the sheer scale, involving the Army, Air Forces, and Navy, often attacking while outnumbered by German forces.

The Cost of Liberation

For those of us who appreciate history, or who have family who served, the numbers here hit hard. The resolution specifically points out the severe human cost. There were around 350,000 Allied casualties in total, including 150,000 Americans. Over 60,000 American service members were killed or went missing, and 92,000 were wounded. These veterans and the fallen are the reason for this designation. The resolution notes that over 15,000 American service members are commemorated in American cemeteries in Italy, specifically mentioning sites in Nettuno and Tavarnuzze.

Why Now? Preserving the Legacy

Since this is a resolution, it doesn't create new laws or allocate funds, but it does serve an important civic purpose. It encourages the entire country to pause and recognize this history. The text emphasizes that because the remaining veterans of this campaign are now very advanced in age, there is an urgency to preserve their stories. The resolution encourages everyone in the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies, educational activities, and reflection.

For educators, historians, and families, this designation provides an official hook to ensure this critical chapter of WWII—and the immense effort required—isn't forgotten. It’s an official nod to the fact that these battlefields, cemeteries, and historical spots across Italy are sacred ground for remembrance, and that we owe it to future generations to keep the memory of this difficult fight alive.