Reference N14192E
Following a week of ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the Italian Campaign, Canadian Veterans bid a moving farewell to former battlegrounds and fallen comrades in Italy
November 28, 2014 – Ottawa – Veterans Affairs Canada
Canada’s official delegation led by the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today wrapped up a week of commemorative ceremonies in Italy. Canadian Veterans participated in a number of commemorative activities, including a visit to the war cemetery in Cassino where 855 Canadians are buried.
In Ortona, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Price of Peace monument dedicated to Canadians who helped liberate Ortona, and a candlelight ceremony of remembrance was also held at the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, where 1,375 Canadians are buried. During this ceremony, Veterans remembered the sacrifices of fellow Canadians who gave their lives during the battle for this seaside town—one of the most bitter conflicts of the war. They were joined by students from Canadian College Italy in nearby Lanciano.
A commemorative ceremony was also held to remember 206 Canadians buried at the Villanova Canadian War Cemetery, site of one of several difficult but successful battles leading to the breaching of the “Gothic line”—the last major line of defence against the Allied offense and a key milestone in the eventual liberation of Italy. A wreath-laying ceremony to recognize this victory was held at the Breaching of the Gothic Line plaque in Rimini.
While in Italy, Minister Fantino also honoured Canadian Veterans with a commemorative lapel pin and certificate of recognition marking the 75th anniversary of Canada’s engagement in the Second World War.
Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
