Review a PDF of the entire Camp 59 Survivors presentation, which includes both images and accompanying script. Download the PDF.

I was asked to create a poster for the event:

This is the last of four posts concerning the 2023 “Paths to Freedom” (Sentieri di Libertà) event in Servigliano, Italy. The September event 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.

Read also “‘Paths to Freedom’—the First Day,” “‘Paths to Freedom’—the Second Day,” and “‘Paths to Freedom’—the Third Day.” 

“Paths to Freedom” (Sentieri di Libertà)—10 September 2023

Our final day together began with commemorative speeches at the war memorial in Servigliano’s Piazza Roma. Wreaths were laid at the base of the memorial by representatives of the three event-sponsoring organizations.

An additional, a hand-made herbal wreath to represent “Wales, Australia, and the Camp 59 reunion” was laid by Linda Veness and Rona Crane.

After the ceremony, church bells rang out invitingly, and all were welcome to attend Sunday Mass in the Church of San Marco, just a few steps away from the memorial.

This is the third of four posts concerning the 2023 “Paths to Freedom” (Sentieri di Libertà) event in Servigliano, Italy. The event 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.

Read also “‘Paths to Freedom’—the First Day,” “‘Paths to Freedom’—the Second Day,” and “‘Paths to Freedom’—the Fourth Day.” 

“Paths to Freedom” (Sentieri di Libertà)—9 September 2023

In the morning, we travelled by bus and car to meet with the ELMS walkers in the village of Smerillo, where Marco Ercoli shared the story of his grandmother, Letizia Galiè in Del Gobbo, and the two American POWs from PG 59 whom she sheltered—and for whose descendants Marco is still searching.

See “A Haven in Smerillo.”

A 40-minute video was taken of the event in Smerillo; you can view it on YouTube. The video concerns the story of Letizia Galiè in Del Gobbo and the search for descendants of the POWs she sheltered.

This is the second of four posts concerning the 2023 “Paths to Freedom” (Sentieri di Libertà) event in Servigliano, Italy. The event 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.

Read also “‘Paths to Freedom’—the First Day,” “‘Paths to Freedom’—the Third Day,” and “‘Paths to Freedom’—the Fourth Day.” 

“Paths to Freedom” (Sentieri di Libertà)—8 September 2023

The morning began with the unveiling of a new plaque at the entrance to the camp.

A host of dignitaries were in attendance, included the British Ambassador to Italy Ed Llewellyn (Lord Llewellyn of Steep, OBE), British Defense Attaché Matthew Smith, United States Defense Attaché Lt Allen Juno, the Prefect of Fermo Michele Rocchegiani, the Mayor of Serviglano Marco Rotoni, and the President of the Province of Fermo Michele Ortenzi.