Every 3
years, the WWII vets return to their battle fields in Italy. The first
trip was organized in 1963 and established the pattern for many future
returns. The trip starts in the Florence Cemetery to honor their
998 fallen soldiers, with many 10th Mountain soldiers buried
there. They then go to the Italian Hill towns where the 10th Mountain
soldiers fought along side of the Italian Mountain troops. Descendants
have been on these trips with their fathers since they began in the
1963. Descendants have been involved in the organization/running of
these trips since 2000.
** If you would like to be mailed a brochure, please fill out the
form below.
Dear 10th Mountain Family and Friends,
On behalf of 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc., I would like to
personally invite you to attend the 2012 Return to Italy, Ancora Italia
trip sponsored and organized by 10th Mountain Division Descendants Inc.
Many of you have attended one or more Return to Italy trips, and we
encourage you to do so again. For the many who have not, I encourage you
to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Imagine traveling the
combat route of the WWII 10th Mountain Division and walking in the
footsteps of those soldiers from some 66 years ago. In many locations
very little has changed since that time - foxhole indentations are still
very visible, homes that sheltered the soldiers remain, and with a good
eye you might even be lucky enough to find a spent shell casing or other
WWII era artifact. Take in the view atop Mt. Belvedere looking back
towards Riva Ridge and you will instantly understand the significance of
February 18-20, the Belvedere Offensive, to the Allied advance. You will
visit the hill towns of Lizzano in Belvedere, Vidiciatico, Gaggio
Montano, Querciola, Pietra Colora, Castel d’Aiano, and others. The tour
will follow the path of the 10th out of the Apennines and into the Po
Valley, then on to beautiful Stresa on Lake Magiore where we conclude
the main tour with our famous farewell banquet. You will also have the
opportunity to take advantage of the optional pre-trip to see Rome and
the extension trip beginning at Lake Garda and traveling north through
the Brenner Pass into Austria, Germany and concluding in Switzerland.
But there are several more personal reasons why I strongly encourage you
to attend the 2012 Return to Italy trip. First, this may be one of the
last times many of our 10th veterans will be able to join us on such a
trip to pass on the personal accounts of their experiences. It is also
important that we descendants and Friends show our respect to our
veterans by keeping this tradition alive going forward. Second, the
gratitude, warmth, and generosity of the Italian people, especially in
the hill towns towards the 10th family – of which each of you is a part
– is very heartwarming and one that must be experienced to be
appreciated. Third, you will visit the American Cemetery near Florence,
and walk on hallowed ground where the saying “Freedom is not free,” is
realized, and where 326 10th Mountain Division soldiers remain at peace.
I encourage you to read the brochure for the details of the full
itinerary and options offered. Believe me when I say, this will be a
trip you will not want to miss! Please join us in 2012 ….
