24th August, 1944 was the day when Opio was liberated by the allies. A commemoration ceremony is held on the closest Sunday and entails the laying of a wreath and a speech by the Mayor and the running up of the British, American and Canadian flags.A lady I know who lives in the village was 14 at the time and she told me how when they heard the ringing of the bells and the marching feet she and her little sister ran to the road to see what was happening. She says they couldn't believe the soldiers throwing chocolates and candy into the air and were a little wary of gathering up the goodies...
