I suppose I have related some of my Naval experiences but can't remember which ones. At the risk of repeating one or more I will start with this one.
In August 1944 I was fortunate enough to be sent to the US Army Rest Camp in Rome, Italy.
There were MANY Allied troops there...and a few US sailors. I didn't see any other nation's sailors.
History has always been a favorite subject for me so I decided to take advantage of the trip and NOT go "boozing around" like most of the troops!
Instead I went on guided visits to historical places such as the Coliseum, the Catacombs,
the Appian Way, etc.
I am not a Catholic but I believe the "highlight" of the week must have been the visist to the Vatican City. We saw many of the places and things I had studied about and I was really fascinated by that part of the trip.
Also, the beautiful artworks by world famous artists.
The the really huge surprise! Wewere tld that groups of 25 servicemen could have an audience with Pope Pius XII !!!!!!!
He was on sort of a stage slightly higher than we were and spoke to us in 5 or 6 languages and blessed articles we had purchased, etc. Even though I was not a Catholic I was tremendously impressed and have NEVER forgotten that week and that audience! Pope XII "looked" like my image of what a Pope "should" look like! (I know it sounds crazy but remember...I was 18 years old at the time!
I have more stories for later. If I go on TOO much and I'll "stifle" it
Back to the bridge!
Roy "Flags" Brown
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