The museum celebrated 20 years

 ANCORA ITALIA 2012 – ITALIAN MEMORIES

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24, June

IOLA DI MONTESE

    Since 1963, every three years, the veterans of the U.S. 10th Mountain Division and their descendants return to Italy to explore the battlefields where they fought between February and May of 1945.
Also this year, Saturday, June 23, they welcomed into the village square by the authorities and citizens.

     The event began with the laying of a wreath under the tombstone in commemoration of John Parker Compton, killed by a German sniper in the area under Mount Terminal, and under 10th's plaque, whose soldiers fought on the mountains surrounding the village liberated on March 3, 1945

The ceremony continued with the awarding of plaque of "Museum of Quality" by Dr. Laura Carlini as Head of Services Museums and Cultural Heritage Institute for Artistic and Cultural Heritage of the Emilia Romagna Region.

 
     To follow, speech of Mr. Mazza, Montese's mayor, of the President of the Cultural Group "Il Trebbo", that managed the museum since its inception and Val Rios, President of the 10th Mountain Division Descendant which gave to the museum the official recognition of 10th museum on the Gothic Line, in 2010.

Afterwards begun the visit to the museum and its halls, updated with new collections that have reached the 4,000 objects on display.

     Some militaria stalls were on the square, and several vehicles accompanied the veterans and their families at visit the foxholes on the neighboring hills. The organization has offered lunch.
Following speeches of thanks, especially by Americans friends, which were extremely warmly for the welcome received.
Photo galleries display the day’s events. Special thanks go to the "boys", owners of the jeeps, who enthusiastically had dedicated their time and resources for the success of the event, and to the organizers for their dedication and commitment.