The US Army gave an Italian woman a birthday cake – in lieu of the cake US soldiers stole from her 77 years ago when she was chilling in a window.
Meri Mion, who turned 90 this Friday (29/4), was 13 when she saw the clash between American troops and German soldiers in the village of San Pietro, near Vicenza, in the Veneto region.
Meri’s mother made her a birthday cake, but was taken in by opportunistic – and possibly hungry – Americans.
Mion said he would share the substitute cake with his relatives.
“Let’s eat this dessert with my whole family, remembering this wonderful day that I will never forget,” she said.
Image: US Army
The US Army delivered the cake at a ceremony held in Giardini Salvi, Vicenza, on Thursday, 28/4, with military personnel, local officials and residents.
Sergeant Peter Wallis, who delivered the cake, said it was “a bit odd” to replace the stolen items, “but it makes me feel good.”
At the ceremony, Colonel Matthew Gomlak, commander of the US Army garrison in Italy, spoke about the battle that took place in 1945 between US and German forces at Corso San Felice and Fortunato in Vicenza.
At least 19 American soldiers were killed or wounded and several American tanks destroyed.
Local Italians offered bread and wine to the American troops.
“This warm welcome by the people of Vicenza continues to this day,” says Colonel Gomlak.
Image: US Army
Years ago, the night before her birthday, Mion hid with her mother in the attic of their farm while a fierce war was raging nearby.
The next morning, her mother made the cake. However, “his happiness turned to disappointment when skilled American soldiers fled. [ele]”, said Colonel Gomlak.
In a video posted on the US Army’s website, Mion wipes her tears as she takes the cake and says “Happy Birthday” in Italian and English.
source: Noticias
