“Paths to Freedom” (Sentieri di Libertà)—7 September 2023

One month ago today, on September 7, a spectacular four-day event opened in Italy.

“Paths to Freedom” (Sentieri di Libertà) was a celebration of both the 80th anniversary of the Italian Armistice and the subsequent breakout of thousands of Allied POWs from camps across Italy—including camp PG 59 in Servigliano. The escapees turned for help to local Italians, who courageously defied Nazi death threats to protect them.

“Paths to Freedom” was cosponsored by Casa della Memoria of Servigliano and the UK-based groups Monte San Martino Trust and the WW2 Escape Lines Memorial Society.

There were people in attendance from the UK, of course; however, a large number of attendees were from faraway places: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.

Although several in attendance had been to the site of PG 59 before, for many this was a first visit. For some, it was even their first time in Italy.

Many attendees came with partners/spouses, siblings, or children.

The event kicked off at 5 p.m. with an informal reception at the Gelateria Caffetteria Marcozzi in Servigliano piazza. Event planner Anne Copley had signaled in an advance email that she would be recognizable by her “trusty fluorescent clipboard”—a tool which we were to see flashing above her head on numerous occasions in the coming days as she shepherded us through tours and field trips.

Continue reading →