We do remember them here, always…..

poster for the exposition - I particularly like the soldier's pipe

Every year at 11am on 11th November  in villages and towns all over France the activities of a normal day stop for a little ceremony of remembrance at the local war memorial.  

The flags were hung, the hedges trimmed, the wall behind the memorial freshly painted and the gardens tidied for the occasion. The turnout was twice the usual number and many brought along their children. 

the parade to the memorial formed and the children carried floral tributes

This was perhaps because this year is the centenary of the battles at Verdun and the Somme and our local mairie mounted an exposition in commemoration and some attended in old uniforms from the first and second wars, and the Algerian confrontation.

In his speech, the maire made mention of those from Australia, Canada and Britain who fought beside the french on these battlefields – everyone is remembered and thanked here.

medals presented to local resistants , now in their 90s,  in recognition 

we can only imagine what horrific experiences these medals represent

There are various small memorials around town to remind us of those who gave their lives and you can even still see bullet holes in walls where skirmishes took place. This history is real and all around us so, yes, we do remember them, always…..

 Meanwhile, on a sunny autumn morning, the leaves continue to fall, and a lone fishermen enjoys the peace and quiet on the river.

bon week-end mes amis