Yesterday afternoon was an especially meaningful day for CCI students and staff, as we visited the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery and Ortona.
In the fall of 1943, Ortona had become a German stronghold. The position was heavily defended as it ran along the Gustav Line connecting the Adriatic to Rome. December saw some of the bloodiest battles of the Italian campaign, certainly so for Canadian troops whose mission was to liberate the city.
After weeks of fighting through the Moro River Valley and then house to house in the centre of the city, the Canadians forced a German retreat on December 28. The town was left devastated. An estimated 1300 civilians perished, and 1375 Canadian soldiers are now buried at the nearby Moro River Canadian War Cemetery.
As we gently walked through the cemetery, we were careful to note the ages of the young soldiers, and reflected on the significance of war.
Before heading home, we stopped in Ortona where the main piazza was recently transformed and renamed Piazza degli Eroi Canadesi or “Canadian Heros’ Square”. The centre of the piazza is now outlined in the shape of the Canadian maple leaf with a fountain at its centre.
For many of our students and staff, remembering the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice was a moving experience and we left feeling tremendously grateful.
Photo credits: Clark Adams