The Wartime Memories Project - The Second World War

It is not possible to fully understand the history of the Second World War without refering to the forces of the Axis.
The Wartime Memories Project is purely a historical resource and the information contacted in this section is for historical educational. We are a Non Political organisation and do not support the ideas of The Third Riech, we simply present the facts.

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Giovanbattista Antonio "Nino" Galea . Italian Merchant Marine Belvedere from Genoa, Italy)

Nino left Genoa in October 1939, a young man with a new wife and infant daughter.He was fortunate to find work as a merchant marine ont he ship Belvedere. The ship departed the port of Genoa for Marseille then for a transatlantic journey. In 1940 the ship docked in Philadelphia. Nino and his shipmates explored the region, making contacts with fellow Italians and experiencing the American life..until the war broke out and Italy was declared an enemy nation. In 1941 pres. Rooselvelt ordered the seizure of all italians in the U.S. or who entered on a vessel. 1,300 men were shipped to Ft. Missoula, Montana on a labor camp, joined by hundreds of others from the world's fair in NY. The Italians arrived and were awed by the natural beauty of Montana..and exclaimed Che bella vista! What a beautiful view! The camp was christened "Bella Vista" fromt hat moment forward. For over two years the men worked and created community, learning new skills, and learning to adapt to the land they would come to love. Nino worked int he kitchen, did carpentry, and gardening and played the accordion and guitar at the many nites of entertainment by the prisoners. When the war ended and the camp was shut down, the men were ordered out. NIno faced deportation. He fought to obtain citizenship and after 11 years..achieved that status. Then he was able to call for his family to join him..after 15 years of separation. What a reunion at Ellis island. A story of survival, discovery and above else, enduring love.

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