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231106-VIC_AFN_InFocus-Edward McKey

AFN Vicenza
Nov. 4, 2023 | 1:00

1 minute AFN Vicenza In Focus news package about Lieutenant Edward Michael McKey, the only American buried in an Italian Military Memorial cemetery.

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San Biagio di Callalta-

Italian Armed Forces Day has been celebrated Since NOV 4th, 1919.

A Commemoration of the Fallen was held at the Military Memorial of Fagaré della Battaglia, where 10,507 are interred including Lieutenant Edward Michael McKey, the only American buried in an Italian Military Memorial cemetery.

McKey was raised in Minnesota and studied at the School of Fine Arts in St. Paul. He served in World War one, as an ambulance driver for the American Red Cross, in France McKey received the French War Cross, in December 1917 he transferred to Italy.

McKey was killed on the Piave River Front on June 15, 1918 He was the first American Red Cross member killed in Italy and awarded the Italian silver medal for military valor.

McKey was a friend of Ernest Hemingway, who later wrote a poem about his death which is inscribed on the shrine to the Piave soldiers where McKey is buried.

From San Biagio di Callalta, SSG Brandon Rickert