LENTICOSA, Italy –
The U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CNE) Band received the Italian national-level "Premio Internazionale Nassiriya per la Pace" award from Italian Undersecretary of Defense Angelo Tofalo following the Band’s concert in Lenticosa, Italy, Nov. 15, 2019.
The Band was being recognized for their continued work and dedication for promoting peace through music and partnership in Europe and Africa; specifically in Italy. The International Nassiriya Peace Prize was developed in 2003, to honor of those killed in a suicide bombing in Iraq. The attack killed 18 Italian service members, one Italian civilian, and nine Iraqi civilians.
“Tonight’s concert was beautiful, wonderful, and extraordinary with mixes of emotions from all who attended,” said Vincenzo Rubano, president, "Premio Internazionale Nassiriya per la Pace" award. “This was a beautiful way to honor the fallen soldiers and in particular, the ones that were lost in Nassiriya, Iraq.”
This recognition is given to a small and select handful of recipients every year to recognize the merit of individuals or groups that have distinguished themselves in promoting peace.
“We are honored to be recognized by our ally and host country and to represent the U.S. Navy across Europe and Africa,” said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Coats, director, CNE Band. “Music is a universal language, and we are extremely privileged to receive this award.”
The CNE Band is the U.S. Navy’s official band in Europe and is stationed in Naples, Italy. The Band reaches a combined audience of more than 60 million people throughout over 35 countries in the course of more than 500 engagements annually. Uniquely, the CNE Band is comprised of active duty U.S. Navy musicians and augmented by service musicians from Italy who unite to fashion dynamic specialty units.
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
To see more on CNE Band receiving "Premio Internazionale Nassiriya per la Pace" award check out the video from AFN Naples: