Visiting a war cemetery can be very poignant. Starting in Sicily in September 1943, the Allied Forces began their campaign to liberate Italy. Some of the most aggressive major battles occurred in the Cassino area to try to take Monte Cassino. The spring of 1944 and especially May was significant. My husband comes from this area. His mother often told stories of this time and how scary it was. The town of Cassino was completely demolished, needing to be rebuilt after the war. So it was important to visit this very large cemetery in the region.
Near the town is the British Commonwealth Cemetery. Called the English cemetery as there are Polish and German ones in the area.
There are many graves and also names of those without graves.
For me that visit in August 1991 brought home the realization of the sacrifice of life.
More than 40% are Canadian. So going up and down the rows to honour my fallen Canadians was a memorable event in my life.
All areas of Canada represented.
Notice the Maple Leaves.
Each grave beautifully kept by the local community.
Monte Cassino Monastery visible in the background.
The name Parks. No relation to us.
Young men.
Significant writing on the entrance.
A place to stop and reflect and honour.
Another view.
By visiting a war cemetery, it reminds all of us to remember. For those with people in the Polish or German cemetery, I do have some pictures I could scan and send you.
Email me at abdm@rogers.com.
Photos- copyright 2017- by Barbara.
#Cassino#Italy#Canadian#BritishCommonwealthCemetery#Italiancampaign#MonteCassino#WorldWarTwo#graves#Canada#AlliedForces#reflections#remembrance#1944#May1944#Remembrance's
very poignant ...
ReplyDeleteI remember this visit well. For Barb it was a very important part of our trip to Italy. She always says there is a part of Canada there.
ReplyDelete