March 19, 2011

March 19 began with a visit to the German Cemetery where the students walked through the different rows of headstones reading names and reflecting on the Second World War. We then headed to the American Military Cemetery of Nettuno where the manager of the cemetery meet the group. Mr. Ernesto proceeded to tell us some facts of the American Cemetery and the men who are buried there. He told us a touching story of three brothers that are all buried in the cemetery, and some historical facts of the war that helped paint a picture of what Italy looked like at that time. We then read some letters from families, soldiers, and generals. Phil O’Conner told us a story of four soldiers and we proceeded to the monument of the brother’s in arms where the students lay a wreath. We also brought a bouquet of flowers to a Loyola alumni grave. We visited the Museo dello Sbarco were there are many military artifacts such as; guns, uniforms, and war propaganda on display.  After an informative morning we were all starved and so we ate at the Diavoletto Restaurant where we all enjoyed a full meal from the antipasto to dessert. The last stop of the day was Piana delle Orme. This very interactive complex made up of about twelve large buildings and was a truly an interactive museum.  The buildings had 3D portrait of different times of war, agricultural life, and an antique toy collection. The students were stunned at how well everything was built in the museum. The Sbarco a Anzio exhibit was made with all different mannequins wearing uniforms, war vehicles, and a music and light show.

The following day we started our tour at Fosse Ardeatine where again Phil enlightened all of us once again but this time with the grim facts of the place. The Fosse are caves where the German police killed 335 Italians. Today, people can visit the caves, the burial ground, and a small museum. We then visited the Museo della Liberazione where many poor people were imprisoned by the Germans and tortured. The building still looks very similar to how it did when the Germans used it as one of their head quarters. The students were able to go in the cells and read what people had etched in the walls. Lastly we visited Via Rassela where communist students bombed German soldiers which lead to the massacre of the 335 men at the Fosse Adeartine. Then again we were off to lunch with a meal that no one could ever forget in a restaurant that offers over twenty types of pasta and pizza to choose from. The students were delighted to tried new things.  We finished an unforgettable meal with a great and well deserved thank you to Phil and Jim that made this all possible.