Page updated 17/04/11
The Column of Liberation 2011
from 23rd to 25th April 2011
Program rev. “4” 14/04/2011
North Apennines Po Valley Park
organize
Historic, Commemorative and Reenacting Event with Charity Purpose
In collaboration with ( rev. 14/02/11)
Associazione Giuseppe e Margherita Coletta
Linea Gotica della Lucchesia
Highway Six
Associazione 92nd Buffalo
Tracce di Storia
Club Historica
Gruppo Modellistico Mincio “Fà e Dèsfa”
Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica “Brigata Bengasi”
Great Generation Airborne Reenactors Group
Associazione Culturale Vivere la Storia
Proponent bodies
Comune di Felonica 
Comune di Verona
Comune di Mantova 
Provincia di Mantova
Comune di Valeggio Sul Mincio
With the support of
Serramenti Innovativi a Guarnizione Attiva
Caramori Piante
BI ESSE s.p.a. Forniture Elettriche
Società Agricola Ovo Scaligero
Pakelo Motor Oil S.r.l.
Ghelfi Ondulati SpA
What the Column of Liberation is. Some information for foreign fellow collectors.
During the last few years Gotica Toscana Onlus (not for profit Association) has managed relevant commemorative events in Italy as well as has participated in the most important European events like Tanks in Town in Mons (2008-2009), Normandy and Bastogne celebrations (2009). We had the chance to talk to many of you during the above mentioned European events and now we would like to invite you in Italy! Many of you have never seen Italy before or have come to Italy for holidays only. Anyway, most of you has never joined a WW2 commemorative event in Italy. It’s time to remedy!!!
Often the Italian Campaign is associated with the idea of a secondary front; instead it has been a real war in the war since the Allies have fought step by step along the Peninsula from Sicily to the Alps, suffering heavy losses as well as the Axis forces. The Italian Campaign ended in April 1945, although Italy was no more in the limelight since the Liberation of Rome (June 4th 1944) which little anticipate D-Day in Normandy (June 6th 1944). Despite that, during the second half of 1944 and for the whole winter of 1945 thousand soldiers from both parts deployed by/against the last German fortified defense line, built up in the Appennines Mountains: the Gothic Line (link a pagine del sito tradotte in inglese). Only during the last days of March 1945 Allies finally managed to clear the Gothic Line and push through the Po Valley for the last effort to reach the North of Italy. The most frequent images of those days depict columns of liberators marching northbound with the population familiarizing with soldiers during a spring of new hope.
This year our commemoration of the days of Liberation, which in Italy is officially celebrated on April the 25th, will take place in Verona and Mantova with an unusual concomitance: Easter on April the 24th !!! What a nice opportunity to combine together the celebration of these two events in two marvellous cities which can’t stand the moment to host The Column of Liberation under their wonderful monuments, like the Roman Arena Amphitheatre of Verona just to cite one!
Due to the fact that Italy has not a wide net of WW2 Museums, like Great Britain, France or Belgium, events such The Column of Liberation grow in importance in order to preserve Memory. For this reason every kind of vehicle English, American, Italian and German can take part to The Column of Liberation, in fact being an historic apolitical event we want the Column to depict every army involved with the only exception of those unit and formation which committed crimes against the population, right not to harm them again! See regulation below.
Not only! In fact, The Column also raises charity funds through the city where it stops, to fund the activity of the Association Giuseppe e Margherita Coletta which is involved in the construction of an orphanage in Burkina Faso (already in costruction) even thanks to the funds raised during the Column of Liberation 2008 and 2010 (www.associazionecoletta.it).
So, Gotica Toscana Onlus is glad and ready to bring you around in the beautiful Italy where History and Arts blend with Culture and Gastronomy in order to let you spend a different and amazing Easter feeling yourself at home! Do not miss the opportunity of such an amazing week-end, you are welcome.
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Felonica 24th April 1945 - Soldier of 6 South African Armoured Division near the Po river
Concurrent events
Verona - April Satursday 23
Gran Guardia Palace
starting at 17:00
Projection of inedited WW2 reels about the liberation on Verona
THE AGENDA OF THE EVENT
Updated March 13th 2011
Satursday 23rd April 2011 – from Felonica (MN) to VERONA – Distance 47 Miles ca.
Download the route of the Column
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09:30 a.m. Vehicles and participants gather in Felonica (MN) by WW2 Museum of the Po River (North Appenines Po Valley Park – NAPV).
10:00 a.m. Greeting of the Municipality to the participants and light refreshment offered to the partcipants by the citizenship.
10:30 a.m. Departure of the Column to Sermide and Carbonara di Po’ across river banks.
11:00 a.m. Transit through Revere and Ostiglia.
11:15 a.m. Po river crossing at Ostiglia bridge.
11:45 a.m. Transit through Nogara.
11:00 a.m. Transit through Revere and Ostiglia.
12.15 a.m. Arrival at Isola della Scala and stop for the lunch at Antica Riseria Ferron.
Menù
Polenta di Riso con funghi e salame nostrano
Risotto all'Isolana
Arrosto di Maiale con patate al rosmarino
Pane, Grissini di riso
Acqua, Vino rosso in caraffa
Caffè
02:30 p.m. Departure to Verona passing through Buttapietra e Cà di David.
03:30 p.m. Arrival at Verona outskirt (zona Fiera) and rejoining with the "Heavy Column" (see below for details).
04:00 p.m. Arrangement of the Axis and Ally columns which will approach to Verona historical centre commemorating the passage of the front during WW2 with the narration of a speaker.
04.30 p.m. Troops and vehicles make their entrance in Verona Piazza Bra and stay under the famous Arena (Ancient Roman Theatre).
05.00 p.m. Meeting with local authorities and greeting to participants and spectators.
05.00 – 08.00 p.m. Stay in Piazza Bra and public exhibition of vehicles and reenactors.
08.00 p.m. Dinner in Piazza Bra within the loggia of the Gran Guardia Palace and projection of inedited WW2 reels about the liberation on Verona.
Dinner at Gran Guardia Palace in Verona
Menù
Salumi, giardiniera, insalata di pollo
Cannetti con Ragù d'anitra
Coniglio con polenta e funghi
Pane, Grissini di riso
Acqua, Vino bianco e rosso in caraffa
9:30 – 11.00 p.m. Night exhibition of vehicles and reenactors in Piazza Bra.
11.00 p.m. Transfer of participants into accomodations (hotels etc.) with shuttle buses.
“Heavy Column” – Tanks and heavy vehicles / trucks
02:00 p.m. Heavy vehicles and tanks get together in Verona outskirt (zona Fiera) and arrange the column in order to join the light column of vehicles incoming southbound.
03:30 p.m. Arrival of the light column and rejoining.
04:00 p.m. Arrangement of the Axis and Ally columns which will approach to Verona historical centre commemorating the passage of the front during WW2 with the narration of a speaker (see above).
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Verona 26 Aprile 1945 - Un M4 Sherman del 13th Armored Battalion
della 1st Armored Division sfila in una via della città
Sunday 24th April 2011 (Easter !)
from VERONA to Valeggio sul Mincio back to VERONA – Distance 34 Miles ca.
Download the route of the Column
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In VERONA Piazza Bra – Static exhibition
10.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m. Exhibition of reenactment groups with heavy vehicles in Piazza Bra.
From VERONA Piazza Bra – Optional excursion for light vehicles only
10:30 a.m. Departure of the Column to Villafranca.
11:30 a.m. Arrival at Valeggio sul Mincio visit to the Visconteo Bridge (famous medieval installation) and light refreshment for the participants offerd by the citizenzhip in Borghetto.
12.30 a.m. Lunch in Valeggio sul Mincio / Borghetto.
03.30 p.m. Departure to Verona.
04.00 – 06.00 p.m. Arrival at Verona and stop in Piazza Bra.
Diner at one’s pleasure in the wonderful VERONA!
Monday 25th April 2011
from VERONA to MANTOVA back to Felonica – Distance 71 Miles ca.
Download the route of the Column
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09:30 a.m. Departure of the Column to Villafranca (some heavy vehicles follow).
10:15 a.m. Transit through Villafranca heading to Mozzecane and Castiglione Mantovano.
10:45 a.m. Arrival at Mantova crossing San Giorgio Bridge.
11.30 a.m. Arrangement of the Column which will approach to Mantova historical centre commemorating the passage of the front during WW2.
12.30 a.m. Arrival in Mantova Piazza Sordello and Piazza delle Erbe and lunch.
Palazzo della Ragione Lunch in Mantova
Menù
Risotto con Tastasal
Straccetti di manzo con contorno
Dolce sbrisolona di riso
Acqua, Vino bianco e rosso in caraffa
03.00 p.m. Departure of the Column to Bagnolo San Vito and San Benedetto Po.
03:45 p.m. Transit through Quistello.
04:00 p.m. Transit through Poggio Rusco and Dragoncello.
04.45 p.m. Arrival at Felonica and end of the event.
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Verona 26 Aprile 1945 - Dopo gli scontri della notte i fanti dell'85th US Infantry Division
attraversano il "The Bloody Corner" scortando prigionieri tedeschi
REGISTRATION, RULES AND BEHAVIOUR OF PARTICIPANTS
1) The participation to the “Column of Liberation 2011” is subject to a pre-registration that you can accomplish by:
B. downloading and fulfilling the registration form and email or mail it to the Organization.
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2) The registration must be accompanied by the payment of the TOTAL FEE which may vary depending if you are going to stay for the whole event or not (see below). The payment of the full fee in advance is necessary in order to avoid unfortunate situations which have caused huge loss to the Organization during past editions. Money can be transferred with:
A. a Paypal payment to > ddayoverlord@tin.it <;
B. a bank transfer to the following account:
Account Holder: Gotica Toscana Onlus – Via A. Galilei 7, I-50038
Scarperia (FI), Italy.
IBAN code: IT60 N 07601 02800 000071628283
BIC/Swift Code: BPPIITRRXXX
In any case, payment description must indicate “Column of Liberation 2011”.
An envelope containing meal tickets, road book, useful telephone number etc., will be delivered to the participant at the moment of the arrival in order to avoid any other wait.
The fee is not refundable except than in case of registration refusal by the Organization or cancellation of the event.
3) The deadline for registrations is April the 10th, 2011. Beyond that date, the Organization reserves the right to accept further registrations.
4) In any case, participation to the event is limited to the number of individuals /vehicles compatible with existing facilities. We strongly advise to register as soon as possible, particularly if hotel accommodations are needed.
5) The event is open to WW2 military vehicles up to 1945.
6) Vehicles owners dressing WW2 uniforms as well as reenactors are welcome and encouraged both in group or individually. The Organization will try to accommodate everybody on WW2 vehicles, in accordance with vehicles owners, to the extent room is available but declines responsability if there is not room enough. Anyway, nobody will be left behind.
7) Military uniforms must be consistent with WW2 era. Allies and Axis uniforms (like Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe or Kriegsmarine) are allowed, while wearing or displaying uniforms of any political formation/organization such as PNF (Fascists Party), MVSN, NSDAP (Nazi Party) or SS units and similar are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
8) All vehicles must conform to Italian existing Highway Code (Codice della Strada) Laws and Regulations. Vehicles owners and drivers will be responsible for any damages and consequences caused by their vehicles. The Organization will not be responsible for the damages caused to people or properties.
9) Deactivated weapons/ordnances and toy model guns/ordnances can be showed and exhibited by the participants without harming other participants, visitors and local populations. Deactivated weapons/ordnances must be accompanied by a deactivation certificate which MUST COMPLY with ITALIAN REGULATION which is VERY SEVERE. Anyway, every participant is responsible for possession/displaying/carrying of his own weapon/gun/ordnance and must conform to Italian existing Laws and Regulations and fulfill requests which may come from Law Enforcement officers. If necessary, the Organization can limit the display of weapons during particular phases of the event or if requested to do so by Municipalities or Public/Police Authorities.
10) It is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to use any kind guns or other firing devices including blanks, fireworks, signals, smoke, and whatever else may alarm Law Enforcement and Firefighting authorities. It is also forbidden to light open-flame fires.
11) The behavior of every participant must be appropriate to a commemorative event. It is strictly forbidden to engage in any form of violence, harassment or other disrespectful behaviors which can upset or compromise the good outcome of the event. It is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to aim any kind of weapon to anybody even if deactivated or toy model.
12) During the event it is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to march, sing battle hymns or national anthems or swear at other participants, visitors or local populations.
13) Reenactors and other participants will avoid to engage in any kind political discussions or to express personal views on the local or general history of the places and period. Instead, military equipment can be displayed and pertinent explanations can be given to interested people.
14) The Organization reserves at any times the right to expel from the event the participant who will obey to the present rules, without previous warning and without refunding participation fees.
15) Each group/individual will be responsible for the preservation of and damages of all kinds to areas/sites/places/rooms/services/equipments/accessories made available for use to them/him. Particular attention must be paid in case of permanence/meal/accomodation within military structures.
16) Underages can join the event if accompanied/authorized (written) by their parents. In any case underages cannot man/handle weapons/guns/ordnances no matter if deactivated of toy models.
17) During the event it is forbidden to leave the column of vehicles or take your own initiative; during the stops every participant is due to respect timing which will be communicated properly.
18) No vehicle will be left behind even in case of malfunction; the Organization offers a recovery vehicle which can bear even three axles vehicles up to 14 tons.
19) The Organization informs that drivers of historical vehicles can be subject to Alcohol Test at will of Law Enforcement Authorities
20) For issues not covered by the present rules/regulation, please contact the organization!
The Organization reserves the right to change the current program of the event without giving notice about that.
LOGISTIC AND TRASPORTATION:
The Organization offers financial refunds to foreign participants in order to cover fuel and trasportation costs for vehicles. Obviously, funds are limited and will be shared among foreign participants according to their number and the time of their registration.
So, please if you wish to join the “Column of Liberation” contact the organization as soon as possible!!!
SHUTTLE BUSES
A Verona, Timetable of the Shuttle Bus to and from the Hotels:
- Satursday 23rd/04/2011 from 21:00 to 24:00
- Sunday 24th/04/2011 from 8:30 to 11:00 and from 19:30 to 22:30.
- Monday 25th/04/2011 from 7:30 to 9:30
Parking available to the Hotels for historical vehicles.
ACCOMODATIONS
The Organization offers free of charge accomodations for the registered participants within military stations (if available) as weel as public buildings like gym, but in this case every participant needs to bring is own sleeping-bag. As with every service offered by the Organization, free of charge accomodations are limited and so early – registration to the event is recommendable in order to make an early reservation for the available room you are interested in!
The
Organization provides a free of charge service of reservation for those wishing
an hotel accommodations giving information about room availability and rates.
Simply, tell us your requirements!
However, if you wish to arrange reservations directly you may do so at your own
discretion.
Hotels
Verona
TRYP VERONA * * * *
Hotel & Convention Center
Via Monte Pastello, 28 - 37057 S. Giovanni Lupatoto (VR) ITALIA
Tel. +39 045 8754111 – Fax +39 045 8754120
e-mail: tryp.verona@solmelia.com
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Accomodation B&B ( American buffet )
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*Twin + 3rd bed
Free Car parking (250 places)
Bank Account
UNICREDIT BANCA S.p.A. – Agenzia di Milano Cordusio
IBAN : IT 43 D 02008 01600 000030045291
ABI: 02008
CAB: 01600
C/C: 000030045291
Cin: D
Intestato a SOL MELIA’ ITALIA S.r.l. c/o Hotel TRYP Verona
Codice Identificazione Swift: UNCRITM1200
HOTEL SACCARDI
QUADRANTE EUROPA
Via Ciro Ferrari, 8 - 37060 Caselle di Sommacampagna (Vr)
Tel. 045 8581400 - Fax 045 8581402
www.hotelsaccardi.it
How to reach the Hotel
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*Twin + 3rd bed.
Bank account
BANCA ANTONVENETA - AGENZIA SEDE DI VERONA
Conto intestato a: Agea Spa - Hotel Saccardi Quadrante Europa
Codice IBAN: IT63W0504011700000001353410
Code words: EVENTO GOTICA TOSCANA.
Sport Center in Verona
Centro Polisportivo Comunale Consolini di Via Antonio Ascari 1 - Verona
With Changing room, toilets and showers.
How to reach the Sporting Center
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COSTS
Join the event for the whole program (3 days) includes 4 Italian typical full meal (appetizer + first course + second course + side dish) and eventual small refreshments along the way, has a cost of
EURO 90 (EURO 75 for Gotica Toscana members).
All participants will receive for free a gadget of “The Column of Liberation”.
If you intend to partecipate only to some days of the program, costs change according to the below table:
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Please note that eventual Hotel reservation and fees are not included !
Should you need futher information do not hesitate to contact us via email or mobile phone:
Gotica Toscana Onlus: info@goticatoscana.eu
For info in French language: Simone Guidorzi +393483157390
For info in English language: Luca Bambagiotti Alberti +393384576040
We thank in advance all those who will participate or contribute to the event in any way.
Keep in touch and see you soon !!!
The Organization