In March, 2011, I visited this memorial site when it was buried in the snow. I made a silent wish that, if I was ever back there in warmer weather, I would be able to go again. And so it came to pass that in May this year, while showing the two pesky tourists around Bassano del Grappa, I asked them whether they might like to take a trip up the mountain with me. They’re good sports, they said “Sure”. So, I called a taxi, and in a few minutes, away we went.
The original account, with an explanation of the reason for the memorial, can be read here: with-respect
It was sunny and warm when we left Bassano del Grappa, but became progressively cooler and cloudier as we ascended. At one point, we saw what seemed to be large birds soaring in the skies, but the driver explained that there is a well-known hang gliding site here on the mountainside. Those of you who are more adventurous might like to give this a try, next time you’re in the Veneto. hanggliding
After four years, I was finally seeing this vast monument, situated at about 1775 meters.
Glory to you soldiers of Grappa
Behind each of these small portals are the remains of an identified Italian soldier. 
Behind each of these are the remains of 100 unidentified Italian soldiers. 
Both the Italian and Austrian flags fly here. 
Imagine the heartbreak and sorrow represented in this site, for the families and friends of the young men who were doomed never to return home.
Hello World 
Wow. That’s an amazing spot!
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It surely is, Phil. I am so grateful I got to see it without snow, even though it was very cold, to my tropical blood!
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Reblogged this on Cryptic Garland click here and commented:
I have a bit of a thing about memorials, coming as I do from Ballarat where we have more than any town in Australia (outside the States capitals) I certainly don’t look at them as a glorification of war. But they do serve to make us stop and think of the myriad reasons countries go to war. But please look right through this post AND make sure you go back through the link Yvonne has put call with-respect. In that post there is another link to a site. It’s right at the bottom so don’t miss it.
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Thank you, my friend.
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No worries. I think I’m back to normal after my sudden and unexpected loss.
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We need these grim reminders to show the misery of war. What a pity people don’t seem to learn.
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It seems the wrong people pay attention, Debra.
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Sad, but beautiful. I’m glad you got to see it.
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I didn’t think I ever would, Darlene.
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A beautiful spot and you have presented it so respectfully. We have done paragliding so hang gliding would be like a date with its cousin. 🙂
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I thought of you two intrepid adventurers as I wrote about the hang gliding, Sue.
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This really is a special one. I actually have a bit of a thing about memorials, because they are not there to glorify war but to remember and respect the young and the old that perished for some tiny benefit to one side or the other.
And there are some that fly the flags of both combatants. And some are for wars that really must be fought to combat real evil.
But this post is magnificent as was the earlier one and the site you referred us to.
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful (and kind) comments. I do appreciate them.
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Thank you so much for bringing this special place to my attention!
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I have mixed feelings about war memorials, but this one is rather special, Jane. If you do go, take a warm jacket with you, and explore the tunnel you’ll find under the memorial site.
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