U.S. Soldiers from the Vicenza Military Community joined local Italian organizations on Aug. 30 for a community cleanup of the arcades and walkways leading to the Santuario della Madonna di Monte Berico, one of Vicenza’s most revered landmarks. The event marked the seventh consecutive year of this collaborative effort.

Nearly 40 volunteers, including service members, family members, and representatives from the Alpini groups of Vicenza and the Order of Malta, gathered early in the morning to prepare the site for the Sept. 8 celebration of the Virgin Mary of Monte Berico. The annual pilgrimage draws thousands of visitors from across the region and is a cornerstone of Vicenza’s religious and cultural calendar.