Armistice Day in a french village

There were less people there this morning than in past years. The light rain may have put some off. We all bought our bluetes (cornflowers) from the returned serviceman. Nurses from WW1 originally set up a workshop for injured servicemen to make these paper flowers as a form of rehabilitation. Now they are the official symbol for Armistice Day in France.

The ceremony started at the hamlet up the hill that is also part of our commune, then the official party drove down to our mairie and the procession re-formed.

Le maire and the president of the local serviceman’s association read their speeches. There are lots of reminders of the wars in our area – plaques at the sites of executions, bullet holes in walls, rebuilt villages – so we are always aware of the past.

Another medal presentation  by monsieur le maire.

La Marseillaise is played loudly, then all move on to the salle de fête for a glass of wine and a catch up with neighbours.

for those who are also fans of Martin Walker's books,
this is our version of "Bruno"

 Let us never forget the sacrifices of others for our safety, whether they be soldiers, police or firefighters.