Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites the public to discover the history of Letterkenny Depot and the 1250 repatriated Italian prisoners of war and be part of the commemorative events to celebrate on September 10-11.
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites the public to discover an out-of-the-ordinary piece of World War II history at Letterkenny Depot, one of 21 sites in the United States to house Italian prisoners of war. From May 1944 to October 1945, 1250 repatriated Italian prisoners lived and worked at Letterkenny Depot, ordering, stocking, and shipping military provisions and equipment to the Allied Forces in the Pacific and Europe. The men, who took an oath of allegiance to support the Allied efforts, were well-treated with ample food, good healthcare, and access to music, sports, and worship. These men formed the 321st Quartermaster Battalion. Many created bonds to the Chambersburg community. On September 9-12, a delegation of family members and friends associated with the men of the 321st Quartermaster Battalion are visiting Chambersburg to commemorate this special history with the Historic Letterkenny Chapel 77th Anniversary Celebration.
During the seventeen months at Letterkenny, the men of the 321st Quartermaster Battalion struggled with feelings of loneliness and concern for their families nearly 5000 miles and an ocean away. It was a difficult time. The men turned to their faith to guide them, seeking out counsel, who wisely suggested channeling the loneliness into beneficial tasks. The men of the 321st Quartermaster Battalion designed and built Letterkenny Chapel, using the materials from the farmhouses, barns, and other structures razed to build Letterkenny Depot. On May 13, 1945, Msgr. Amleto Cicognani celebrated the Mass to consecrate Letterkenny Chapel. Today, the Italianate chapel stands as a lasting memory of the contributions of the men of the 321st Quartermaster Battalion.
The public is invited to be part of the weekend events of September 10-11.
Saturday, September 10
- 9 AM - Opening of "Letterkenny World War II Italian Prisoner of War Experience" at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center, 15 S. Main Street, Chambersburg. Official dedication begins at 9:30 AM.
- 1:30 PM – Historic Letterkenny Chapel 77th Anniversary Celebration Program including dedication of memorials and gifts at Letterkenny Chapel.
Sunday, September 11
- 1:30 PM – 9/11 Ceremony at Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans & 9/11 Memorial Park. Speaker: Deacon G. Bryan Salzmann: Reflecting on the 21st Anniversary of 9/11, followed by Dedication of Rev. Dr. William H. Harter Memorial Garden.
Nearly 77 years later, family and friends return to celebrate the men of the 321st Quartermaster Battalion and share the stories and memories--the beauty of the area, the kindness of the local residents, and their work to build the depot and Letterkenny Chapel.
The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites all to explore history, arts and architecture, recreation, natural beauty, fresh foods and the warm hospitality of communities like Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro. Franklin County PA is located just north of the Mason Dixon Line and is an easy drive from Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Plan a visit at ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com or contact 866.646.8060.
Media Contact
Franklin County Visitors Bureau, Franklin County Visitors Bureau, 717.552.2977, [email protected]
SOURCE Franklin County Visitors Bureau
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