Again the attention on this border, fortunately saved from the great battles and destruction Just preceded by the option vote , which was a result of the Italian-German agreement with which the major part of the German speaking population abandoned the Italian Valcanale to join up with the Reich's Austria, the happenings of the Second World War again brought attention to this border, although - fortunately - leaving it untouched by arms and destruction. With annexation of upper Slovenia to Germany in May 1941, the pass of Ratece, after that of Coccau-Porticina - separated Italy from the third Reich, whereas the subsequent annexation of the whole Adriatic coast as a province of the nazi Germany by rights eliminated these borders completely. The armistice announced on 8 September 1943 determined an armed Germany attack against the Italian barracks in Tarvisio, which put up a strong and admirable resistance. The episode and the Italian soldiers who fell are still remembered by a solemn ceremony that is held each year.