Throughout France, in every hamlet, village, town and city, where men and women who have served in WWI and WWII, and have died– there is a moment of silence, a moment taken to honor, a time shared to remember those who have gone before us, to bring us peace.
In our village the locals gather at the cafe. Share a coffee and stories about their loved ones. Annie, our dear friend recalls memories of what it was like living in France during WWII. Most of the people in the cafe have lived in the village all their lives. Their lives intertwine, their stories and memories blend together, it is incredible to listen to them, to learn from their shared past.
Later in the morning, we gathered together and followed behind the flag carriers. We walked in silence, amongst the flags and flower wreaths, to the monument that honors those who have died in WWI and WWII, in thanksgiving that their sacrifice let's us live in peace.
Before we arrived, Annie met a friend who had collected mushrooms from the hills that surround our village. Annie, poked French Husband and told him, "See! I told you so, mushrooms right here in our village, if you want we can go gather some together!"
I shivered not this again! But then suddenly my mouth watered betraying me… sauteed Mushrooms, roquefort, a little garlic, a chunk of bread, red wine….
At the monument, each of the names of the men and women who died from our village was read aloud.
A rooster, a symbol of France sits on top.
Walking back from the ceremony– the vineyards, the older people, the church bells, the signs of history,the symbols of peaceful life surrounding… I was glad to be part of it and offered my thanks to those who have walked before me.
Note:
My new MAC, my lack of experience, the changes with TYPEPAD'S formatting are causing me massive amounts of frustration. I am sorry of this post looks strange or scrambled, I do not know what is causing it… please bear with me.
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