Sunday 11 November 2012

Remember.....

Today is of course Armistice Day, a public holiday here in France and yet, curiously, not fully recognised in the UK.  In the village here, at 11:00 the church bells clanged wildly and noisily. Something that couldn't be ignored.

Later, as we drove off to visit a Brit friend nearby, we passed a church which was surrounded by recently decanted parishioners: elderly Frogs with berets, best clothes, ruddy complexions, wine-red noses, wives in finery, and medals.

Certainly makes one think.....


3 comments:

  1. France was occupied-I think there is the difference.

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  2. We usually go to our village memorial service (couldn't go this year as double-booked) but last year, we had poppies, and explained the significance to our maire and French neighbours - and NONE of them had an inkling! Feelings still run high here and not everyone goes because someone's father denounced someone else' uncle etc - and they won't stand with them etc, etc.
    Also, we are only a short distance from Oradour-sur-Glane, the martyr village, and some of our French neighbours don't like to recall that awful time no matter how the rest of the world needs to remember.

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  3. It is very touching to see these old soldiers coming out.

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