Ortona Canadian Military Cemetery — Local services in Ortona

This is a memorial to the many hundreds of young Canadians and their comrades from around the Commonwealth who died defending Europe from the NAZI war machine. It was very very tough going here; Churchill once called Ortona the 'Little Stalingrad.' The courage and heroic contribution of the young men who rest here are in many ways eclipsed by the Normandy invasion. However, the Italians have done a wonderful job of honouring the sacrifice made here. This is as much a garden of remembrance and honour as it is a graveyard. As a Canadian I am thankful for the care and respect; seeing Ortona enhances the strong bonds of friendship between our two peoples. I highly recommend every Canadian that visits Italy make some time for Ortona - the natural setting is stunning, the folks are friendly and welcoming, and the war memorial / garden is a powerful place. Hey, it's Italy - You will...

I now live in Pescara. Having passed this memorial many times, today I decided to visit - with my family visiting from Canada. Quite simply, we were moved to tears. The history was explained very well and in some detail in the small pergola. I felt fiercely proud to be Canadian. My heart ached for the over 1,300 young men who lost their lives fighting to liberate Italy at the Gustav line, and Italy has respectfully maintained this beautiful memorial to honour them. If you are able to - please visit this peaceful, haunting, vital...

Visiting the Moro War Cemetery (for this Canadian traveller) was a very moving, reflective experience. The grounds are impeccably kept and the various sections are all worth strolling through as one contemplates the sacrifices made by both soldiers and Italian citizens who were thrown together in late 1943. While visiting Ortona, my family and I were also treated so well by the local population. Tells you a lot about the people from here, and why everyone should add this hidden gem to their Italian...