(   Continued ...   )

Printed signs placed along the Lungolago and town gave notice, and a large crowd of mostly American tourists gathered. Some had American flags with them; some wore clothing with American emblems. The Stresa fire department placed a wreath and helmets on the grass in front of the memorial plaque. After a short procession the national anthems of the United States and Italy were sung. The mayor of Stresa read a speech in Italian and English. Likewise, a representative from the American Consulate in Milan spoke in both languages. Mayors from neighboring towns were also in attendance. Afterwards, many in the crowd stayed to personally thank the officials, firefighters, and police for this recognition.