Hi all, Just a quick line on Monte Cassino , My son is out in italy and yesterday Damiano (gurdjieff), took him on a very interesting tour of the battlefields around Cassino (i will post some pics asap). I spoke to him after the tour he was awestruck by the scale of the destruction and the formidable terrain.! Damiano is so knowledgeably of all the Liri valley sites and his enthusiasm is incredibly infectious (thank you for looking after Ashley ). I travel out to Benevento next week so if anyone has any pointers of potential interesting sites nearby please let know.? I am hoping to get this bridge in Aluetta Auletta SA - Google Maps my late father was there (RE 1944) cheers Derrick
Anne - Damiano's full name is Gurdijeff - he lives in the Liri Valley - send him a PM as all e-mail addresses are subject to interference.. Cheers
Derrik, you are very kind. I'm happy of the tour with your son Ashley, a superb boy, very interested in everything and with a great talent and love for the art. For me and the other mates of our association (Ass. Linea Gustav) is very important to share the history of the Liri Valley because we know that this is the only way for don't forget the sacrifice of the soldiers and the civilians died in the last war. The Liri Valley isn't only Cassino, Monte Cassino and some monument. Certainly the memorials are really important and to have a visit to the cemeteries is the best sign of respect, but from my point of view, the battlefields are the best places where the people can feel and understand what was the war here and I'm sure that Tom, as veteran, can confirm my thought. Thanks to all. Best regards. D.
Damiano, No problem : ), its a pleasure. I feel the same, i have visited many cemeteries and monuments, but for me the battlegrounds hold the real feel of war and its dreadful consequences. I have been to the beaches at Normandy on late summer afternoon, we did the museum which was very impressive, but while i was standing up on the cliff top roadside i got a real feel of the vast battleground and it left a big impression on me. Those brave guys !.. Look forward to coming up to Cassino. Just getting the last things sorted. Ashley is returning to Benevento today, hope is all good at your end ? Derrick