Dear 10th Mountain Family,

On behalf of 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc., I would like to personally invite you to attend the 2009 Return to Italy, Sempre Italia trip. The torch has been passed and the 2009 Return to Italy trip will be the first sponsored and organized by 10th Mountain Division Descendants Inc. and we promise to deliver a memorable experience.

Many of you have attended one or more Return to Italy trips, and we encourage you to do so again. For the many who have not, I encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful trip. Imagine walking in the footsteps and on the battle trails the 10th Mountain Division soldiers walked some 63 years ago. In many locations very little has changed since that time – foxhole indentations are still very visible, homes that sheltered the soldiers remain, and with a good eye you might even be lucky enough to find a spent shell casing or other WWII era artifact. Take in the view atop Mt. Belvedere looking back towards Riva Ridge and you will instantly understand the significance of February 18-20, the Belvedere Offensive, to the Allied advance. You will visit the hill towns of Lizzano in Belvedere, Vidiciatico, Gaggio Montano, Querciola, Pietra Colora, and Castel’d Aiano. The trip will follow the path of the 10th out of the Apennines and into the Po Valley ending at Riva del Garda on the shores of Lake Garda where we conclude the main tour with our famous farewell banquet. You will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the optional pre-trip to see Rome and the post-trip to Vienna and Budapest. I encourage you to read the enclosed brochure for the details of the full itinerary. Believe me when I say, this will be a trip you will not want to miss!

But there are several additional reasons why I strongly encourage you to attend the 2009 Return to Italy trip. First, this may be one of the last times many of our 10th veterans will be able to join us on such a trip and you will want to hear personal accounts of their experiences. It is also important that we descendants show our respect to our veterans by keeping this tradition alive going forward. Second, the gratitude, warmth, and generosity of the Italian people, especially in the hill towns towards the 10th family is very heartwarming and one that must be experienced. Third, you will visit the American Cemetery near Florence, and walk on hallowed ground where the saying “Freedom is not free,” is realized.

Please consider attending the Sempre Italia 2009 return to Italy trip. You will not be disappointed.

Sincerely

Val Rios
President, 10th Mountain Division Descendants Inc.