New Zealanders at the 70th Commemorations of the Battles of Monte Cassino

Prince Harry arriving at NZ Ceremony at Commonwealth Cemetery with NZ Governor General 

 The 70th Commemorations of the Battles of Cassino were held recently in and around Monte Cassino. Many New Zealanders had travelled to Italy to be part of the  commemorations and to  remember our fathers and grandfather's who fought in these horrific battles in atrocious winter weather over many months before the new Zealand troops headed north with other allied troops ending the Italian liberation campaign in early 1945 at Trieste. There was a large programme of commemoration events coordinated by the Monte Cassino Foundation for Rememberance and Reconciliation.  38 NZ veterans also travelled to Cassino and were the honoured guests at the many special functions. The opening of the Legato  Art Exhibition was held on the 17th May with 30 New Zealand artists presenting works.11 artists travelled from NZ plus 3  artists based in Europe.The Ngati Ranana concert group from London performed at the opening that was officially opened by the New Zealand Ambassador in Rome Dr Trevor Matheson. Also present was the Italian Ambassador in NZ.

Photos and text by Cheryl Coleman

Legato Art Exhibition Cassino May 2014

Legato Art Exhibition opening Cassino

Legato Art Exhibition opening Cassino Italy May 2014

Ngati Ranana Concert group from London

NZ Veterans at Cassino Railway Memorial

NZ Veterans arrive with Prince Harry

Some of the many New Zealanders at the NZ Memorial Ceremony at the Commonwealth Cemetery

NZ Governor General Speaking at Ceremony

Kiwis and new Italian friends at NZ Comemmoration

NZ Veteran of the Cassino battles Harry Atkinson with Cheryl Coleman