Last Sunday, August 15 marked the 66 anniversary of the American paratroopers coming in to liberate Draguignan and the region. We had eaten at McDo's and a group of French soldiers came in with American flags on their sleeves. Dad went and asked why and they said it was in preparation for a reenactment of the liberation. We realized last night that we had failed to visit the American Cemetery here in Draguignan and that would have been a big mistake. So today we went over there (it is in the middle of town). It is really beautiful and so well kept. There are 861 graves; the majority with the date Aug. 15, 1944! The eagle above is a mosaic and the inscription on the statue reads "We who lie here died that other generations might live in Peace." It is so easy to forget. Made me miss Grandpa. I am sure he would have saluted!!
Last Sunday, August 15 marked the 66 anniversary of the American paratroopers coming in to liberate Draguignan and the region. We had eaten at McDo's and a group of French soldiers came in with American flags on their sleeves. Dad went and asked why and they said it was in preparation for a reenactment of the liberation. We realized last night that we had failed to visit the American Cemetery here in Draguignan and that would have been a big mistake. So today we went over there (it is in the middle of town). It is really beautiful and so well kept. There are 861 graves; the majority with the date Aug. 15, 1944! The eagle above is a mosaic and the inscription on the statue reads "We who lie here died that other generations might live in Peace." It is so easy to forget. Made me miss Grandpa. I am sure he would have saluted!!
4 comments:
So glad you went there. Brings back memories of taking Grandpa to the cemetery in Normandy.
Very nice. I was thinking of Gpa today and missing him--maybe b/c you had mentioned the military cemetery--don't know. Seems very well kept.
Jo, I couldn't help but think of the trip that you and Dad took to Normandy with Grandpa, too. I am so glad that we didn't miss the opportunity. In some ways, this was more sobering. Perhaps because we were alone for most of the time. That would never happen in Normandy. WWII seems further and further from reality and yet it was my parents generation that paid the price. Good reminder.
Thank you for posting. Good to remember.
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