We did indeed hit the ground running!

 We dropped our bags off at our hotel and headed out to find the Termini and then make our way south from Rome to Anzio. It was the only free time we had on the first leg of our Italian adventure and we intended to spend it purposefully.
Soon after I learned I was going to Italy, an attorney I work with told me that the one place he hoped to go someday was near Rome, an American cemetery where members of the 45th Infantry Batallion of Oklahoma were buried. The story of the battle of Anzio was a very moving one by his telling. Between his words and the subsequent reading about the World War II battle there convinced us that could not come so close to the the cemetery without visiting.
Not long before our departure date, medallions were delivered to my office by the same attorney. We were to be emissaries on behalf of the 45th to the keeper of the cemetery and their designates. In hindsight, we probably should have made prior arrangements so we would be expected.
As it happened, we ventured out without a clue, really, excited about seeing the Italian countryside from the train with no idea that the cemetery is actually located in Nettuno, some distance from Anzio. Our stop in Anzio was not wasted, It is a charming seaside town and a scenic harbor that is home to some of the biggest boats I have ever seen.
The trek to Nettuno didn't take long but I was walked on the sides of my feet by the time we got there. (My sisters called it "shuffling.") The cemetery is very peaceful and very beautiful, even with construction going on in several sections.
We went to the building at the entrance and told our story rather breathessly. The two men we spoke to initially struggled with our English as we did with their Italian. Just as we were ready to full out our language helps, a gentleman came from an office and began to explain to us the amazing connection between our place in the world and this one./He was able to tell us exactly how many Oklahomans are buried in the cemetery. I knew immediately that he was the person who was to receive the medallions we carried in our bags.

The whole trip was as moving to us as the story we'd heard and read about. Later we all agreed it was well worth the time and effort. It is a part of the trip we won't be forgetting.