Stressing the need for interracial solidarity in the post-war world, African-American and white soldiers got together as part of the army's general educational program at a heavy bomber base in Italy. Arranged by Colonel David C. Epps (third from left standing) of Portland, Oregon, the participants heard informal speeches by 2nd Lieutenant Sidney Thompson, Jr, (to right of Epps) of Cleveland, Ohio; S/Sgt. Ernest J. Henderson (second from left sitting in second row) of Springfield, Massachusetts and Sergeant Robert Williams (extreme right, foreground) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.