Tuesday 11 November 2008

Armistice Day

Armistice Day this year marks the 90th anniversary since the end of World War I, the war to end all wars.

November 11 is a National Holiday France, which allows everyone and anyone to attend the Remembrance Services held across the country to mark this day - if they so wish.

Our local village was no exception, and this was the scene this morning outside the church after the service.






Just a single wreath of fresh flowers, but where it is speaks volumes .


Brittany has reason to remember WWII as it suffered greatly not only throughout the occupation, but also through intense bombing by the Allies. St Malo,Rennes, Nantes, Brest, St Nazaire & Lorient were the main targets, the last 3 being occupied ports and/or shipyards which suffered greatly.

Talking to our older neighbours can sometimes be like re-living history . Just last week out on my walk past one of the nearby farms I stopped to talk to Monsieur (82) & Madame (81) and after catching up with the general gossip we got to the subject of the influx of British residents in the area ,always a favourite topic ( incidentally we are known locally as 'OUR English ') - Monsieur told me that the first time he heard spoken English was when he was 18 years old and the American liberation forces drove past the farm just a few feet from where we were standing !

I am too young ( just!!) to remember WWII, but I can remember my Dad , who was in the RAF, sharing his memory of being caught in the London Blitz and being buried in the rubble for 2 days , and I can't help but wonder what kind of memories our elderly neighbours must have of this most terrible time .

Lest We Forget ................

2 comments:

Colleen formerly of South Africa said...

It is always good to remember...and honor those who battled before us.I so appreciated your comments.And loved your exploding pineapple quilt. Very nice.

Anonymous said...

Lots of Breton soldiers died in WWI. Most of them were not fluent in French then...and did not understand their superiors...