Since its opening, CCI has hosted the Remembrance Day Ceremony every November 11 along with the Canadian Armed Forces. The ceremony takes place at the Moro River Canadian Cemetery just outside of the town of Ortona. Here, are the final resting places of the 1375 Canadian and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives in the battles that took place during the winter of 1943.
The ceremony was attended by the Canadian Ambassador to Italy, Mr. McGovern, personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces, the mayor of Ortona, students and teachers from local schools, and others wishing to pay respect to the fallen.
I spoke to some of our students after the ceremony, curious to know the effect the morning had had on them. For most, today was incredibly emotional, appreciating the ultimate sacrifice made by the soldiers of the war, and witnessing so many people gather to remember the fallen. We left feeling tremendously grateful.