The 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Marche region was celebrated in Loreto and Ancona on 17–19 July 2024. Italians and the Polish diaspora paid tribute to the veterans of the Polish II Corps who contributed to the liberation of Italy in 1944. Thanks to Tolentino Mayor Mauro Sclavi and the hospitality of the Prior of the Augustinian Province of Italy, Father Giustino Casciano, the IPN Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom exhibition was presented in the 14th-century cloister of the Basilica of San Nicola in Tolentino.
The exhibition presents the combat trail of the Polish II Corps revealing its decisive contribution to the Italian campaign. It offers an in-depth look at the events and battles proving the sacrifice of the fighting Poles. It also captures the personal stories of the soldiers, their struggles and hopes. It is a tribute to those who fought for a better future and sometimes saw their dreams dashed, as well as an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the importance of values such as freedom and independence, which can still be threatened nowadays.
So far, there have been 77 unique displays of the IPN Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom around the world. On 18 May, it was presented in the cloisters of the Benedictine Abbey on Monte Cassino, on the occasion of official celebrations with the participation of the Presidents of Italy and Poland – Sergio Mattarella and Andrzej Duda. In early July, the Trails of Hope were shown in London during a visit of the IPN President Karol Nawrocki, Ph.D. at the Polish Social and Cultural Association.
* * *
In the summer of 1944, Poles fought in the Val di Chienti valley to recapture it from the Germans. The victory was greeted with joy. They brought freedom to Civitanova Marche, Montecosaro, Morrovalle, Corridonia, Loro Piceno, Macerata and Tolentino.
After traveling more than 8,000 miles, Polish soldiers, who landed in Italy after training in the Middle East, fought "for our freedom and yours" at Monte Cassino, Piedimonte San Germano and Acquafondata paving the way to Rome to the Allies.
The Poles fought also at Filottrano, Rustico and Polverigi to capture Ancona, which was finally recaptured from the Germans on 18 July 1944.
Today, 1,117 victims bodies were laid to rest the Polish Military Cemetery in Loreto. Among others Zbigniew Okulicki, son of General Leopold Okulicki, alias "Niedźwiadek" is buried there. Zbigniew was killed on 8 July 1944, in the fighting at Osimo near Ancona.