DEar Family and Friends,
So many things have been happening and I am just now settling down to compose my thoughts AND share with you some of the HIGHLIGHTS of these past few weeks.
First, let me share some thoughts from Anziano Mumford:
This, dated June 5, 2023
During our Temple service yesterday a brother, who was limited on time, came into our sealing room hoping to have two deceased family daughters sealed to their parents. We needed five persons to do this and at that time we had only two brothers and two sisters.
We were limited on workers, so I decided to go downstairs and look for a patron who could help.
I arrived downstairs and there was a Bro. Howe, all robed and ready to help.
He was in a bit of a hurry to dress and join his wife who was already waiting to leave. I asked. He hesitated but said he could help but would need to tell his wife.
From the top of the steps in the first floor, he spotted her, and hand-signaled to her on the floor below that he needed 10 more minutes. He then he came upstairs with me.
You could tell he was really glad to help.
All went well and he hurried off to dress and join his wife.
We completed the rest of our sealing work, and I walked into the locker area and was surprised to see that Bro. Howe was still there.
Another worker, Alma Allred - told me that as Bro. Howe was walking out, he turned to put his clothing in the hamper, and he heard a familiar voice. It was the voice of his favorite missionary companion, Bro. Di Carlo -now a temple worker - with whom he had served 25 years earlier and who was just passing behind him.
Bro. Howe had hoped against hope to see him - knowing that he lives 5 to 6 hours north of Rome. The companion’s stake was in Rome this week helping in the Temple.
The ten minute delay had brought them together.
Alma Allred (one of our fellow full time Temple Workers) told me that upon seeing each other it was like Alma meeting Ammon as they embraced and wept together - blocking the path for others to pass - but witnessing their joy - no one cared.
Bro. Howe’s extra service had brought them together.
The Lord loves his children, not just as a flock, but one-by-one.
We love you all.
One of our first Mondays in May--we were invited by our Humanitarian Missionaries, Anziano Darcy and Sorella Peggy Guymon, to join them on a "Walking Tour of Rome". Well, since our friends, the Sanos were going--we decided that we would also. It turned out that there were only us 3 Couples and then the Guide's friends from the Army unit where Kim Huber, our Guide, her husband is Military. So it was a very manageable group and we really got THE TOUR. Kim does this for guess you could say, a Living--she has done it now for about 6 of the 8 years they have lived in Rome. BUT we were her last tour--her husband is leaving Rome for a new assignment in COSTA RICA--and they leave mid-July. So, finding that out--we were really so glad we took advantage of this FREE TOUR. We got HISTORY, LEGENDS, EPICS AND A GREAT ADVENTURE OF SEEING AND HEARING THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF ROME. We didn't go into 1 museum, or 1 church (except at the end when we went over to the newly "reopened" SANTA MARIA SOPRA MINERVA CHURCH that is really known for it's Gothic beauty and some of its works of art (one in particular was Michealangelo's The Crucifixion of Christ). We just basically walked all over Rome (14,000 steps) and listened to her do what she's done BEST for the past 6 years. I think that one of the things I really liked is that SHE KNEW HER WAY AROUND--AND WE NEVER ONCE HAD TO STOP AND FIND OUT WHERE WE WERE OR LOOK UP WHERE WE WANTED TO GET TO ON GOOGLE MAPS.!! WE JUST WENT THERE!! It was a great day. We waited in line for some GELATO from a very famous place in Rome--but I decided there are tons of great gelato places in Rome--and I couldn't really "taste" all the hype. Oh it was GOOD--but so is Venchy and some of the other Gelato places we've been to and the flavors--my--you find different flavors the more you get around. Ron LOVES Limone--and he usually pairs that with another flavor--but some times NOT. Me--the "sound of the flavor" gets me in trouble sometimes--and I end up NOT really glad I went for it!! Like AVOCADO?? it wasn't bad--but not rip-snorting good, either.
All in All--what a memorable time we had!!
Our group in front of the Teatro di Colosseo
Another ADVENTURE and it really was just that--OUR TRIP DOWN TO ANZIO, ITALY over Memorial Day weekend. We had heard about this city of Anzio from our friends, Alma and Robyn Allred. They just took a ride down there in early May. It's about an hour south of Rome--right near the Coast. If you know anything about WWII and the Allied Forces trying to help Italy get out of the Grasp of the AXIS Powers of Mussolini (ITALY) and Hitler(GERMANY)--THEN you will have heard about the Beach Landing at Anzio.It turns out that some of those "in charge" (like Generals) weren't all on the "same page" when it came to getting their particular troops to the places/positions assigned to them--and they allowed the Germans to get much more entrenched that they were initially. The element of "SURPRISE" was knocked out of the attack and there were many more casualties than there should have been. Many Americans and Italian soldiers were killed and there are two Cemeteries--one in Anzio and one in Nettuno (12 miles from Anzio) where the Allied Forces buried their dead.
And the care given to these Cemeteries is absolutely AMAZING! THE CARETAKERS are paid by the US and they lovingly weed, plant and water the grounds meticulously. I've never seen anything that compares to Arlington--until I saw these. One is called the BEACHFRONT CEMETERY OF ANZIO--and that has graves of all the soldiers from Great Britain (England, Ireland and Scotland) and some Italian forces. Each grave has an individual saying imprinted on the headstone that usually came from the Family of that soldier that they wanted him or her to be remembered by. There are Arbors of roses and green vines and rose bushes planted in lines in and around each row of graves. 2316 graves
You can see the wheelbarrow, the weeding tools and even gardening gloves. . ; . left for the Gardener to return after lunch.
Hopefully, we caught enough of it to show just how impressive it was!
The other Cemetery--actually in the little town of Nettuno, is called the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and that is filled with graves of all the Americans who died from the War campaigns in Sicily and Italy through the liberation of Rome. This Cemetery was actually holding a Concert on Memorial Day afternoon that was organized by an RLDS member (now they are called the Community of Christ Church) and he seemed quite surprised but pleased to see our little group of 8 Missionaries there to hear this concert. This man has lived in Rome for about 20 years and is actually the leader of a small Community College that tries to find ways for their students to "Reach Out" to Rome and surrounding communities for service and enrichment projects. This Concert was put on by the band/orchestra from a small High School in or around Nettuno, Italy--which is where the Cemetery is located. We were kind of surprised it was not a Patriotic theme--but Memorial Day is, after all, an American Holiday. But they had worked up some numbers that we, as Americans, would definitely recognize like a medley of "Star Wars" and "An American in Paris" (Gershwin). I think I remember hearing a short portion of Copland's "Fanfare to the Common Man" but Ron says he's not sure. Anyway--it was short--but well done and we were happy to be there on that Special Day. Before I leave this ADVENTURE---since this place is only about an hour's drive from Rome---we could have just driven up on Monday(Memorial Day,) and not stayed overnight. But there is a little War Museum in the town of Anzio, which we really wanted to see, but it isn't Open on Mondays. So we decided to drive over after our Sunday meetings and spend some time in these 2 little towns of Anzio and Nettuno. It did not disappoint!! The War Museum is little--and kind of "cluttered"--but for some reason as I walked into that oversized room full of all things Military that whomever it is that has been in charge of collecting, and displaying and honoring those brave men who came and fought there deemed was important---i got a lump in my throat and my chest tightened and then the tears began to flow as the rush of emotions came over me. And I didn't even have anyone in my own family who was called into the War. Nevertheless, it was real and as I saw pictures and watched a short video of the "Landing" (on the Beach) a feeling of Patriotism washed over me that I have not felt in a long time. I Was PROUD to be an American!! And those in charge of keeping this little "Museum" open and tended to --seemed so glad that they had American visitors. a few of his thoughts of that experience in Anzio and Nettuno.
Since Ron did have 4 Mumford uncles who were involved in WWII, and one, Lyle Mumford, was actually in the "European theater" of the fight. So I asked Ron if he'd just pen,a few of his thoughts.
Anzio,,Italy
June 2023
Mom and I decided to go to Anzio. There are three Anzio/Nettuno cemeteries- two British, with 3,600 graves and one American with 7,600 graves.
It was reverent and humbling to see all the acres and acres of white crosses - and grounds, even now so well kept.
We felt we should go because Wayne, Lyle, Frank and Ferris all served - none in Italy, but in France, the Pacific, and the Philippines - and Dad was support on the farm and would have served if he could have.
We’re so glad we went.
Most families have decided to leave their fallen family members there - to be with their fallen buddies.
So many died.
Rommel’s Panzer forces were cutting thru the Allies’ eastern front - looking as though they could annihilate the French, English and American forces in France.
Churchill especially, wanted to hit the German “underbelly” (as he called it), requiring Germany to divert supplies and men away from France’s eastern front to try and hold Italy.
Italians had taken power from Mussolini and sent him away to some Island - later executing him. (Fascism places the government interest ahead of all else - individuals and people do what the leaders and government tells them.
(No wonder Marc so hated fascism.)
(When I was here 54 years ago, doors were opened to us as Americans because Grandpa had told them what Americans had given to liberate them from the Nazis. That often included us missionaries 30 years later. That same sentiment is not here now.)
US and English forces were already coming up from Sicily but there was a German line near Caserta.
Churchill’s plan wanted to leapfrog US/Brit forces northward, by landing them at Anzio beach so they could hit the German line from both the north and south directions.
There were many allied mistakes and disappointments, but ultimately it did help divide German forces.
This area is now known mostly for its beautiful beaches and recreation, but for those who look, it’s a place where soldiers here and families home, gave for the freedoms and county that bless us.
Oh, beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
God bless them.
I
The Group of Students responsible for organizing the Program who are students at this College and the Musicians (all with White dress shirts) who put on the Concert. Of course, we didn't know ANY OF THESE PEOPLE--but they really wanted us to join their photo--so some of us did.
Time was taken to put out an American Flag and an Italian Flag by every grave. (This Cemetery has over 7,785 graves). Nettuno is a charming seaside resort and we did not forget the Americans who died for our freedom. Each one of them earned our and your freedom. They are honored at the Sicily Rome American cemetery of Nettuno.
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