It's Memorial Day in the U.S.
I was going to write about French-American politics; American opinions about how the French think/feel; French opinions about American views/thoughts; who saved who in what war…
I decided I was not stepping into that quagmire but, instead, would let some photos do the talking.
A stone's throw from our house is this shady lane, out in the middle of fertile, French farmland, surounded by corn and wheat fields; the only trees in a vast area of cultivated land.
At the end of the lane is this simple memorial.
It is well tended and there is a ceremony here each spring, attended by all of the local citizenry.
You will see lots of old, restored American Army jeeps…
And a few old French war veterans.
It commemorates an American fighter pilot that was shot down over the area.
The plaque tells the story….
Gives the dates…..
And expresses thanks
He was a lieutenant, 22 years old on that day…
The final line reminds all to "remember the heroes who rest in our memories"
The marker identifies him as a "fighter pilot".
He was killed here on March 21, 1944
"Fighting the Germans to liberate our land."
"We do not forget him"
Above the memorial fly the flags; both of them.
There are memorials like this all over France.
French people are not forgetting their history.
What a lovely post. I hope someday I can come to France and see these things myself.
That’s beautiful! I would never have guessed that French people are still honoring the WWII soldiers. What a perfect way to honor Memorial Day, Katie. Thank you.
I am very touched by your post~the ultimate sacrifice………I am always taken back at the honor so many of the French still display for our fallen heros-I would expect no less from the wonderful citizens of France~
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My husband and I were surprised and humbled by the many, many memorials to both French patriots and American soldiers that we encountered during our stay in France.
Thanks so much, Katie, for telling this story. I hope to see this memorial in person some day.
There’s a place like this somewhere on the Larzac plateau, kind of off the freeway so it has never been very convenient to stop. Next time I’ll have to.
Thanks for sharing this.
The Europeans spent so much time cleaning up the mess of WWII that they didn’t have time to move on to sock hops and drive in movies. I really appreciate the quiet dignity of the veterans of that tragic war and the civilians who lived under the very real threat of death. I feel very bad that this great generation is slowly leaving us, but the bigger tragedy would be to forget their contributions.
Great post!
-Paul
I don’t think that Europeans – especially Germans – spent so much time cleaning up the mess of WWII. I know the (my?) history and I think of all the contributions. Otherwise I wont’t (may) comment here!
But another theme: The second batch is gone, I missed you!
I was moved to tears. What else can I say?
Thanks, Kalyn, I hope you can, too!
Lisa,Jann, Christine, everyone I’ve met in Europe remembers it all too well, different memories from each country, and all sad.
Betty, We miss a lot because of the wonderful French motorways. We wouldn’t have found this if we hadn’t been looking for a quiet lane to walk the dogs.
You are so right, Paul. A lot of the Brits I meet still talk about rationing well into the 50’s and early 60’s. They couldn’t risk the socks!
Ulrike, I missed the second one too?!?!?
Thanks, P.N.
That was a truly lovely post and such beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing 🙂
A vet from WWII, my father at 91 now makes a trip to England and France almost every year in the spring to take part in some commemorative ceremony. Our visits to the Frence country side have found similar memorials.
Thanks for this one.
That was a beautiful post! I loved the photos–and the one with the path actaully reminded me of a lovely place we camped on in Door County, Wisconsin years ago.
I love this and somehow it makes me feel better about the world.
Thanks Truffle,
Tanna, how great that your father can still do that!
sher, it looks a lot like Wisconsin around here.
Thanks, Vanessa
There is a strong connection between France and the United States. Go there and you will see. It is such a beautiful country.