My Wartime Italian Roots and My Canadian Dream

During the second war the town of Pettorano sul Gizio was very close to the action because of its proximity to the Gustav Line a defensive position estabilished by the Germans to slow down the advancing Allied forces. Pettorano's geographic coordinates and its major transportation corridors motivated the German army to set up a post in this locale. As the result of location and the German army presence the town is rich in war history including the evacuation of 4000 souls when a major offensive was imminent. Some of the evacuees scattered into neighbouring outskirts but most of them fled into the mountains near the village seeking refuge. I have also added another story which I share with at least 3000 citizens of Pettorano: the immigrant experience. The war and its devastation on the economy made imperative the necessity to leave the homeland in search of a better life. Many of us came to Canada. It is from here that I recall the journey and pen these words and comment on the events so that our children's and grandchildren's generation might appreciate the sacrifices endured by their ancestors--Back cover.