During the second world war, in order to liberate Italy, the Americans and their Allies conducted three amphibious landings. Operation Husky in Sicily, Operation Avalanche Salerno and Operation Shingle in Nettuno. During these three operations, many of the deceased were buried here in Nettuno, at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery. Among the 7,861 of American military graves are 480 unknown crosses. In collaboration with adrianafiori.com, the official florist of the American cemetery, we will be riding to raise money for the purchase of wreaths to honor each of the unknown soldiers (approximately 8000 euros).
Event: Sicily/ Nettuno – Christmas Wreaths for the Unknown
Date: Start 04/05/2017 –1300 / Arriving in Nettuno 07/05/2017 -1500
Distance: 1100 km
Description: Tony Lonero will be cycling from Sicily to Nettuno (1100km unassisted) in 72 hours to memorialize the fallen American soldiers who are buried in the Rome Sicily American Cemetery located in Nettuno. Team “Ride to Finish” has set a goal to raise enough money to purchase Christmas wreaths for all of the 480 crosses located in the cemetery.
The ride will start in Siracusa, Sicily at 1300 local time on May 4th. There will be a ceremony commemorating the landings in Sicily with the local goverment.
Next on to Sigonella where we will assist with the lowering of the American flag at the military base at 1700.
We will then ride north along the coast to Messina where will get the ferry back to the mainland. The journey continues as we travel along the coast until 2100 Friday, May 5th, completing 520km of our journey.
Saturday, May 6th we will travel 400 km to Monte Casino arriving around midnight.
Sunday morning May 7th we will continue on the last 150 km to Nettuno arriving at 1400, where the mayor of Nettuno , the city council , a representative from the American Embassy, american military personnel will be awaiting on our arrival. Saturday May 6th the city will bus approximately 300 children who have just completed their first holy communion during the Festa della Madonna in Nettuno the day before.
Our mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach the children here in Nettuno the sacrafice that our soldiers made for them. Please help us to reach our goal of 480 wreaths for Christmas Eve 2017.