The transAtlantic friendship which exists between Italy and the United States is "essential and steadfast," Italian Premier Romano Prodi said on Monday.
Prodi made his remarks at a ceremony at the US cemetery here to mark the American Memorial Day holiday.
In his address, Prodi said: "On Memorial Day, America stops to pay homage to its war dead. And so do we here in Italy. These people died on our land for us as well, for our freedom. They were young men who sacrificed their lives for the principles of freedom and democracy".
"Under these crosses we preserve not only their remains but also their values. Nettuno is remains a landmark which bears witness to the friendship between Italy and the United States; a friendship which has never wavered and which has its roots in common values," he added.
"I am here today to express Italy's gratitude to the United States. A gratitude which for over 60 years has consolidated mutual respect," the Italian premier said.
"The challenges have changed but not the spirit of transAtlantic solidarity nor the friendship which exists between Italy and the United States," Prodi concluded.
Also on hand was the US ambassador to Italy, Ronald Spogli, and Italian Defence Minister Arturo Parisi.
Over 7,000 US soldiers killed during the Italian campaign in WWII are buried in the Nettuno cemetery.
