Canada's Legacy in Sicily-
On July 10th, 1943 more than 25, 000 Canadians landed on the beaches of Sicily. This was the first time that Allied forces had made a succesful incursion into Europe since France fell to the Nazis more than three years earlier.
Over the next 28 days, the role played by Canadian soldiers in liberating Sicily from the grip of fascism was paramount. Today, unlike other European battlefield sites, there is very little to mark the immense contribution made by Canada to the freedom of this island.
Our objective is to finance a permanent monument to Canada's role in winning the battle for Sicily.
Operation Husky 2013-www.operationhusky2013.ca
This citizen driven memorial campaign has inittaited several projects to rectify this historic omission.
1) We believe that the landing site of the 1st Canadian Division is an important historic location. It is time that A monument has been comissioned, which is to be installed on the site of the Canadian landing on the beaches near Pachino.
2) An historical exhibit about the Canadian contribution to the campaign in Sicily. This exhibit is being assembled under the leadership of Historian, Dr. Andrew Gregory and will take up a permanent place in the Museo Dello Sbarco in Catania.
The Museo Dello Sbarco is a site dedicated to the preservation of the story of the Allied campaign in Sicily, however at the present time, there is virtually no mention of the Canada's role there.
Costs
The design and construction of the monument is estimated at $5000.00. We've budgeted $1,280 to transport it to Sicily. It's installation near Pachino and the logistical costs of the ceremony where it will be unveiled will run another $1,500.
The museum display will incorporate $500.00 worth of materials. It is expected to cost $300.00 to ship. The curation of the exhibit costs $2000.00 Before being permanently installed at the Museo dello Sbarco, a mobile display of the exhibit has been organized. The display will follow the route taken by the 1st Canadian Division during the Sicilian campaign of WWII. The rental of the vehicle that will transport the exhibit will cost $5000.00 over the course of it's 20 day tour.
The total cost is therefor expected to run $15,580.00
The Legacy
So few Canadians are even aware that these events took place, yet the sucess of this campaign was so essential to the defeat of fascism in Europe.
With these elements; the museum dsplay and the monument, a lasting reminder of the acheivement and vital sacrifice that Canadians contributed will be established. Everyone who visits these places will know about the incredible job the Canadian forces did.
Other Ways You Can Help
Spread the word, visit our website and share it with your friends. If you know about someone who might be interested in helping send this campaign to them.
