On April 10, 2025, Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission World War II site located in Nettuno, Italy, hosted a poignant and heartfelt ceremony to honor Sgt. Sylvester Antolak, one of the two Medal of Honor recipients interred at the cemetery. He rests in Plot C, Row 12, Grave 13. This visit was attended by Antolak’s family, who came to pay their respects, marking a powerful moment of remembrance and connection to history. 

“When you hear about Antolak’s story, hear about his courage, and reflect on what motivated him, think about the impact one single person can make – he never knew, but his actions were critical in motivating his men and saving lives, in finally being able to break out of the beachhead, to liberate Cisterna di Latina, and to literally open the road to then liberate Rome just 10 days later,” said Mark Ireland, Sicily-Rome American Cemetery superintendent. “As we think about him and his sacrifice, I hope we can reflect on what motivates us, what we can do to make our piece of the world, no matter how small or large, a little better.” 

Honoring a hero: a ceremony of respect and remembrance 

The ceremony, organized in partnership with the 3rd Infantry Division Association, featured the participation of several local dignitaries, including the mayors of Nettuno and Cisterna di Latina. Alongside them military and government officials gathered to honor the legacy of Antolak’s extraordinary courage during World War II. The family was deeply moved by the warm welcome and the meaningful tribute.  

Engagement with local students 

A particularly touching element of the visit involved the participation of 150 eighth-grade students from the Madonna della Neve school in Brescia, Italy. The students were invited to attend the ceremony and, as part of their involvement, each class provided a handmade card and chose a student from the class to read it. 

The visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It enabled the younger generation to connect with history and honor the memory of Antolak as well as all those who fought for freedom. 

A community united in remembrance 

The day’s events reflected the continuing significance of the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery as a place of remembrance and education. The ceremony brought together not only sergeant Antolak’s family but also the local community, military veterans, students, and dignitaries, creating a shared space for honoring the Medal of Honor recipient’s legacy. 

ABMC is dedicated to honoring the service of U.S. military personnel by creating and maintaining memorial sites around the world, offering commemorative services, and educating future generations about the sacrifices made by those who served. ABMC operates 26 cemeteries and 31 memorials across 17 countries, preserving the memory of the fallen and educating the public on the importance of their service.