It's Memorial Day in the U.S.
I was going to write about French-American politics; American opinions about how the French think/feel; French opinions about American views/thoughts; who saved who in what war...
I decided I was not stepping into that quagmire but, instead, would let some photos do the talking.
A stone's throw from our house is this shady lane, out in the middle of fertile, French farmland, surounded by corn and wheat fields; the only trees in a vast area of cultivated land.
At the end of the lane is this simple memorial.
It is well tended and there is a ceremony here each spring, attended by all of the local citizenry.
You will see lots of old, restored American Army jeeps...
And a few old French war veterans.
It commemorates an American fighter pilot that was shot down over the area.
The plaque tells the story....
Gives the dates.....
And expresses thanks
He was a lieutenant, 22 years old on that day...
The final line reminds all to "remember the heroes who rest in our memories"
The marker identifies him as a "fighter pilot".
He was killed here on March 21, 1944
"Fighting the Germans to liberate our land."
"We do not forget him"
Above the memorial fly the flags; both of them.
There are memorials like this all over France.
French people are not forgetting their history.
