Students from the “Freedom and Fascism” Summer Program led by Professors Robert Griswold and Charles Kenney have been studying what Italy and Arezzo were like during Fascism. Together with their professors, they have visited many historic sites dating back to the 1920s and 1940s. This past Wednesday, students, staff and professors visited a small town near Arezzo called San Polo. This town is known for a tragedy that occurred there in 1944. A group of Nazi soldiers killed 65 people, including elders, women and children on the July 14th, 1944. Just two days before the liberation of Arezzo, a group of Germans decided to ambush some Partisans, but in doing so, they also captured many civilians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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It’s a terrible chapter of the Italian history that must be remembered, to honor those who sacrificed their life for the privileges and the freedom we have today. Here at OU in Arezzo we are proud to have the “Freedom and Fascism” students learn about these stories and see these sites with their own eyes, understanding through real life experiences and enriching what they have studied in class and in set texts.
While lecturing on-site, Dr. Griswold said: “100 years from now, this piece of history will likely be forgotten, but by keeping the promise to continue coming and paying respect like this in groups, we honor and celebrate the memory of those that sacrificed their lives for the liberties we enjoy today.” @ouabroad #ouaff19 #ouasummer19 #ouinarezzo