A group of Kiwi school children have paid their respects to the 355 fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the battle of Orsogna.
It was the first Italian campaign for New Zealand soldiers in November 1943. Next month marks the 75th anniversary.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Sir Wiri Gardiner led the Maori delegation, made up of students and representatives from Te Kura Mana Maori o Whangaparaoa.
The 12-day tour will see the group retrace the steps of generations past.
The delegation delivered a powhiri as they entered the cemetery, before laying a wreath and joining in a waiata.
Sir Gardner says he feels emotionally connected to the cemetery after losing his grandfather at war.
“In these cemeteries, which are gifted by the Italian nation to the Commonwealth war graves, lay our grandfathers and our grand uncles who came to fight thousands of miles from home in a country they knew nothing about.”
He says the visit is vital for the relationship between New Zealand and Italy, and goes a long way.
“To pay our respects to them, and to pay our respects to the Italian community who look after them.”
Sir Gardner says although New Zealanders are more familiar with the battle of Casino, the Sangro River battle and Orsogna is momentous in our war history.
“They faced the 65th German division which were largely troops from different countries which the New Zealand soldiers defeated. But as they moved on and crossed the Sangro River and headed towards Orsogna they were faced with more troops and it turned into a battle for their lives.”
The cemetery has 355 laid to rest there, 25 of those Maori.
Student Shilo Allen said some parts of the trip have been very emotional for her.
“They gave us this freedom. Without them, we wouldn’t have any of this.”
Rica Mato, the school chairman says it’s an experience his students will treasure forever.
“It’s about showing our appreciation to the Italy community for looking after a beautiful cemetery. This is where our grandfathers will lay forever.”
Sir Gardner has spoken to the Italian communities they’ve visited on their trip.
“We need fraternal relationships with the Italians so that we can commemorate and make sure wars never happen again.”
But Sir Gardner says it can’t just be New Zealand putting in the work.
“It has to involve Germany, it has to involve, Italy, and anyone else who fought here to make sure we have a common purpose for our children and our grandchildren that they should never go to war.”
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