Why Annie Only Went to Paris Once

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(Photo source my friend Karen at Pas Grand Chose)

The other day when I was preparing to leave for Paris, with our friend's daughter Natacha, I went over to Annie's to say good bye as I usually do before going somewhere. I have said goodbye to Annie over the years many times while venturing to Paris and beyond. But this time Annie said, "I have only been to Paris once: I was twenty-five." It surprised me, but then Annie has traveled to many other places so I assumed that between family, work, her age and other travels, that Paris happened to be a one time deal and nothing more.  

 

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Photo source listed below.

 

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Photo source listed below

 

Kathy B., a blog reader/friend of Tongue in Cheek, asked in the comment section, "Why had Annie traveled to Paris that long ago day? Wasn't that during WWII?" Kathy B.'s comment got me thinking… as soon as I came home I asked Annie if when she went to Paris it was during the second world war?

 

 

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It is funny how one thing can lead to another. How we can have something right in front of us, under our noses so to speak, and not give it a second thought. Then out of nowhere, something triggers something, and that which is right in front of us, small and unassuming, or deep and painful, comes up and surprises us as if it has been hiding in the dark recesses of a cave in the middle of nowhere.

 

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Annie's story of why she went to Paris when she was twenty-five did just that. What she told me about her travels it coincided with what I was reading at the time: Sarah's Key.

Annie's tale and Sarah's key opened a passage that left me searching to know more, wondering how such horrific hatred could engulf so many people at the same time? How fear can save us, yet lead us to an ugly truth about ourselves.

 

 

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Annie told me that her Aunt and Uncle had been rounded up in the massive raid in Marseille's Panier district, lead by the Nazis and fueled by the French police, in 1943. Her Aunt and Uncle were Greek Orthodox, who lived, and had a successful business in the Panier. Though that did not matter, as tens of thousands others were also rounded up and taken to prison in no other name but hatred, injustice and cruelty.

 

 

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Annie's Aunt and Uncle were taken a camp in Hyeres, before taken to a holding camp next to Paris, were her Uncle was directly deported to the death camp in Germany. Never to be seen again. Her Aunt, later said, "The French police knocked on our door ordering us to take an over night bag and to follow them. We told them we were not Jewish but Greek Orthodox, that we were Royalist not communist, showing them our papers, but it didn't matter. Our neighbors, who were Jewish, heard the commotion, their teenage son climbed on to the roof fortunately escaping, though his parents did not."

 

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Annie's parents bought tickets for her and her older sister to go to Paris to see if they could "save" their Aunt and Uncle. Annie said they had heard that some people were able to "save" their family or friends if they went to the holding camp near Paris with baptismal records of those held. Annie went with her older sister to Paris. Her Aunt and Uncle had been gone for over a month.

 

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I asked her if she was scared. That didn't the raging war cause her to fear for her life while she took the train (over twelve hours long) from Marseille to Paris. Let alone go to the holding camp outside of Paris certainly aimed for the concentration camps frighten her?

 

 

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 As Annie told her Aunt and Uncle's story I was awestruck at Annie's wisdom, her courage, her practicality… her faith, her love for her family… for everything true, for life.

 

 

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Annie simply said no. She said, "I went because my parents asked me to accompany my older sister. I left my baby with my family. When we arrived in Paris, my older sister made me stay at a friend's home because she said it was too dangerous for both of us to go to the holding camp. It was known that often if you went to "save" someone, or argue about what was happening, at the holding camp they could take you too. It wasn't sure that you could "save" anyone, let alone yourself. My older sister was strong and brave. She said I couldn't go with her, she said I had done enough by coming with her, and besides I had a baby at home and she did not have any children. My sister refused to let me go with her."

Annie stayed in Paris a few days and returned home alone. Her sister followed a few weeks later with her Aunt.

Their Aunt was never the same. She lost everything; her husband was dead, her home was destroyed, their business ruined, the Panier, her neighborhood, razed by bombs … plus what she had seen and experinced in the holding camp. She was left with her body, soul and mind, and the love of her family…. but she was never the same.

 

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Today marks the 66 years of liberation from world war two, in the village that Annie lives.

 

Notes:

 

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Mémorial des Camps de la Mort

Between the Esplanade de la Tourette and the Fort Saint-Jean, in a WWII blockhouse.

Memories of Marseilles under the Occupation. Roundup of Jews. Evacuation and destruction of the Old Port. Resistance actions and bombings. Comments on Nazisme and the French State.

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Comments

85 responses to “Why Annie Only Went to Paris Once”

  1. herhimnbryn

    Oh my Dear,
    You have bought tears to my eyes.
    I shall never meet Annie, but can
    you pass my love onto her?

  2. I rarely cry these days, but this brought shivers to my body and tears to my eyes….
    Too close to home, since my husband was born in a labor camp and his parents died….terribly young, not in the camp but from the abuse they suffered there.

  3. Ed in Willows

    Corey – Have you ever considered taking Annie to Paris for a visit ?

  4. RebeccaNYC

    Wow. Thank you for sharing that story. What a life Annie has had, and wonderful that she can share it with you.

  5. Such a wonderful, thought provoking post, Corey. Thank you.

  6. Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic

    I would love to sit with Annie and record all her memories and stories over the years that she has experienced as a French woman. She has had an amazing life!

  7. So, so sad. I have no idea what it would be like to live through a war.

  8. It was a very dark time in history. Warped minds..unthinkable cruelty…unspeakable horrors. I can see why Annie’s aunt was never the same. Let us hope and pray that this never happens again…EVER!

  9. Beautiful and heart wrenching. So many stories like this…..let’s not forget to thank all the men who fought for liberty. My Grandfather died in the war…….Gina

  10. Please tell Annie thank you for sharing her story with you and ultimately us.

  11. Corey, since I’m now living in this country, I too read a few books containing thoughts and recordings of that war in France. Coming from a country where we never ever had to fear wars (Switzerland), I am always very moved when I hear about what happened to people here and there. My own dad spent his youth in Germany during WWII and only shortly before he died, he could speak about some of the things that happened to him and his experiences…. horrible memories that DO change a person.
    I believe that it must have done Annie good to unload some of those memories and you have – in your wonderful ways – given her a strong and warm voice with great photo material and good vibes. You’re an extraordinary person just as is Annie and I am proud of both of you. Every country needs more people like the two of you!
    Thank you – Annie; je vous remercie pour le partage de vos expériences durant la guerre mondiale. C’est un compte rendu plein d’émotions, de douleurs et d’amour pour les vôtres… Je prie pour vous; vous m’êtes un être chère.
    Kiki

  12. How exciting to have this story unfold while reading Sarahs Key! I loved that book too!!!!

  13. Dear Corey,
    Thank you so much for telling Annie’s
    story. Just like KathyB. I could not
    get it out of my mind. Curiosity can
    haunt a person. Please tell Annie
    that sharing her painful memories
    means they won’t be forgotten. And
    we must never forget. Give her a
    hug from me and tell her that her courage,
    commitment and love of family is
    inspirational.
    missy from the bayou

  14. wow, powerful. so very powerful.

  15. Oh those war stories. What people went through was unimaginable. How any of them came out with their humanity intact is just amazing.

  16. I just finished reading The Diary of Anne Frank (for the millionth time) when I read this. It breaks my heart to know that there are people in this world who have such hatred toward others simply because they are “different”.

  17. What a sobering, yet inspirational, story. Thank you, Corey (and Annie) for sharing it with us. It’s so easy to get caught up the challenges of the economy and unemployment and lose sight of history and the effects it still has on all of us.

  18. Corey ~ I type this with tears in my eyes. What happened in WW II was heartbreaking, so evil and wrong! Have you thought (concerning your future book writing) to write Annie’s life story?? I would buy it in a heartbeat!
    XOXOXOXOXO Shea

  19. Rhonda P.

    Merci Beaucoup, for Annie’s story. Bless her in every way for sharing this. You are the 2nd person to mention this book Sarah’s Key, I must get it.
    You are also the 2nd person to mention non-Jews in these camps. Do we all really know all the horrors of this war?
    A sad post but then again, I find history very sad and I only hope we learn from it.

  20. Having read Sarah’s Key earlier this year, Annie’s story is even more visual and poignant knowing the horrors that the roundup and the Vel d’Hiv held for thousands and thousands of people.
    What I did not know was that non-Jewish people were held too… This event is a black stain on the history of France and of humanity.
    Annie is a pearl that grew out of all of the difficulties and trials of her era. I would love to meet her one day.

  21. Merci beaucoup Annie and Corey for sharing this story. We seem to easily forget the awfulness of war and what people had to bear. I know two ladies who were kids in Paris during the War. Would never ask them to share their experiences. Just mentioning World War II caused their faces to turn ashen and their eyes got sad.

  22. Brenda L. from TN.

    Wow! What a sobering story…how sad for Annie’s aunt and her family. I did know that Jews weren’t the only casulities of WWII. I learned this in High School. But we must never forget those precious souls…
    Your pictures were wonderful and sad…especially of the gentleman in his Sunday best almost in tears…I am almost in tears as well.

  23. Corey, I too am reading Saraha’s Key. I go to bed each night thinking of this evil time. I have visited the German camps and Ann Frank’s hiding place in Amsterdam, but the Village of Ordan sur Glane in France will always be etched in my mind. An entire village of innocent french people rounded up and gunned down. The burned remains of this entire village is a silent walking memorial which terminates in the cemetary. Every thing is as it remained on that june day in 1944.. the reason is unreasonable, to set an example and instill fear in the hearts of the french country people. A pilgrimage no one should miss. Tres Tragique!! Waveney

  24. Tonight, I will be playing my trombone in my small town in Provence’s band, celebrating our town’s liberation?

  25. liberation…without the question mark…typed too fast

  26. christine

    Remarkable post. Outstanding photos. Thank you.

  27. This post brought tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart when I think of all the horrible things that happened to so many innocent people. Thank you for sharing Annies story. I am sure there are so many untold stories out there. We need to hear them so we never forget. Hugs to you and Annie.

  28. Linda K. Smith

    The story of Annie’s, and those of others who were there,needs to be told and remembered. Especially in a time where there are more and more people denying the holocaust. Thank you for sharing her story.

  29. What people don’t understand, especially Americans, is how easily such hatred can be fueled, and tipped towards such unspeakable horror. In the U.S. we have hatred against Muslims, immigrants, gays, blacks, and the politicians play on that hatred. Don’t for a minute think it can’t happen again.

  30. Thanks for telling Annie’s story – you have such a talent for bringing stories to life and sharing them so we can all gain from the experience. I’m not surprised that Annie was never drawn back to Paris after that experience.

  31. tzr7@cox.net

    Corey,
    I am so moved. Tears yes, an incredible knot in my stomach. Certainly what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Blessings to that incredible Annie!

  32. Thanks for sharing Annie’s story. I also wondered why she hadn’t returned. I can understand that now.

  33. Thank you for sharing this, Corey. In doing so, you honor Annie, her sister, her Aunt, and all those who were taken or otherwise affected by this horrific event and the many more that became the horror of the war.

  34. Sharon Penney-Morrison

    Give Annie a big hug from me. Amazing woman.

  35. cynthia Wolff

    shivers.

  36. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    Please thank Annie from me, too, for sharing that story with you and with us. Just, thank you, both of you.

  37. Karen@PasGrande-Chose

    I read this with my heart clenched – over Annie’s story and the photographs of people at that time experiencing unimaginable events. Remembering our morning walking through Le Panier and hearing about its history now has a personal meaning.
    Thank you for your kind mention of my blog, Corey, and all my best wishes to you and love to Annie.

  38. Thank you Annie and Corey for sharing this story. The thought of a man garnering so much power based on bigotry, ingnorance, and fear is scary. Yet, I know in my heart there are many who strive to do the same. By sharing the stories of the past and holding them close to our heart, to learn and remember. To ensure no one can do this to others again.

  39. i do not know what to say…but wanted both of you to know that i am deeply touched by this event in both annie’s and your life…well actually in all of our lives….peace be with her, with you and to all…

  40. veronique savoye

    Great story, bravo. As a French native, I particularly enjoyed looking at the old black and white pictures. War is dirty business, no matter how you spin it, and the French have had more than their share of violent conflicts throughout their history. These were violent, incoherent times. It is even hard to comprehend what happened then for all of us today. I grew up listening to stories about the “Great War” (World War 1) and the German occupation during WWII. My “Annie” were my grandmother, my parents, and their friends. Not all French people did the right thing then, that is for sure. I like to remember that others showed incredible courage and resiliency (more noticeably the men and women who joined the French Resistance in the early years,) or the families who took great risks to hide Jewish families from the Nazi, as depicted in Sarah’s Key. A favorite movie of mine is the opening scene in the excellent “Inglorious Basterds” by Q. Tarantino. This is the single most powerful scene I have seen describing how horribly terrifying and dangerous it must have been to live in France at that time. Most people did what they could to survive and protect their families. That is what the farmer ultimately has to do in the movie even though he tried to hide a Jewish family in his basement. Terrible times. We should all consider ourselves lucky most of us have not had to live through this in our lifetime! Veronique aka French Girl in Seattle

  41. Mmd. Tortoise

    Dear Corey…….an amazing story to hear from Annie after knowing her as long as you have. It must have been gut wrentching to hear her relate this. I thank you, for recounting her story and Annie, for allowing it to be posted. I felt great pain and sadness at reading about this part of Annie’s life. She certainly has my thoughts this morning. I would like to gather her in my arms and simply hold her. Please touch her hand and let her know she is being gently held in my heart
    Pain remains in knowing that hatred of this kind continues to exist in our world and is played out every day. The magnitude of such evil is beyond comprehension.
    What are we to do?

  42. Annie has so much to teach us. I’m glad you asked the question and that she told you the story of her Aunt and Uncle. Thank you for re-telling it here.

  43. Thank you for the beautiful story about Annie. Her courage is amazing.

  44. So many similar stories in my country, in my family. Regardless of the geographic location or time war is terrible not only because of the immediate devastation that it causes but also the devastation it causes in people who survived and often cannot forget and carry the experiences with them and even to the next generations.

  45. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Ed
    Had I known she had only been once I would have considered it. Though now she would never go due to her age. I want to go find her Uncle’s name on the memorial wall in the Marais for those who died in the concentration camps.
    C

  46. My goodness, what a story! Heart wrenching! I’ve always loved your posts about Annie, and now I will treasure them even more. It is incredible what that whole generation lived through, all around the world. I’m so glad Annie told you her story. Thank you so much for telling us readers, Corey.

  47. Thank you for sharing this story. It is so important that these memories are passed on.

  48. Thank you both, my eyes are welling up.

  49. I can remember as a young girl my Dad sitting us down to watch stories from the Holocaust. Even though the images were in black and white, I’ll never forget them. I think this was his point. Never forget.
    Praying for Annie and all those who’ve experienced such horrors.

  50. War is so pointless, thank you for sharing your story Annie. May you see many more anniversaries of this happy event.

  51. Annie is such a wonderful woman with an amazing history and outlook. “Never again” is not an idle slogan. It is something we all should live by.

  52. Marilyn King

    This blog should have had a hankie warning. It is a story of tragedy and bravery in the world’s darkest hour. So many stories came out of that horrific time, thank you for sharing Annie’s. Give her a hug from me.

  53. Wishing I could hug someone right now – you, Annie, her sister — but since I can’t, I guess I’ll go look for a tissue and say a prayer…

  54. History has told us once again that war is most stuipid human behavior ever happened.

  55. My father fought in WW2 in North Africa, Italy and France. He was captured by the Nazis and his comrades shot. When it was his turn and the gun pointed to his head he began to pray, “Mon Dieu”. Without thinking he reverted to his first language. When they realized he spoke french his life was spared and he was captured and used as an interpreter and later rescued by American liberators. Two years ago we visited the American Cemetery in Normandy and surrounding villages that still remember the American liberators. I was so moved by it all. In Paris we went to the Marais to see the Jewish Museum. 78,000 French Jews were deported and killed as well as numerous nonjews. On the walls of the shops one can still see the names of some of those that perished. My husbands family lost many members in the Holocaust and the current generation continues to mourn the lives that were lost as well as the loss of generations that will never be born due to such unspeakable acts. Thank you to you both for the telling of and the sharing of such difficult times.

  56. What brave sisters!
    I wonder if I, as a mother, would have sent my 2 daughters off on such a dangerous mission…I do wonder.
    Her older siser…such love,strength and devotion!
    It’s unfortunate that these same stories of innocent people being caught up in the madness of killing that is called “War” still continues to this day.

  57. kathy barrick

    Oh….how incredibly sad. Thank you and Annie too for sharing this. It amazes me that it was only 65 years ago. How can that possible be? Wishing Annie and you peace.
    Kathy

  58. brave and remarkable Annie.
    While I realize this link is for Normandy, I found it very compelling.
    http://www.slideshare.net/michaerh/normandy-then-1944-and-now-2009 is the url.

  59. joanne nixon

    God bless Annie for sharing her story…i am reading Sarah’s Key currently and was not aware of this horror before. I can surely understand why Annie has not returned to Paris again. Thank you for this post, Corey. It is a poignant tribute to the brave souls who were horribly wronged, and has surely brought attention to this little known passage of history.
    I don’t think I will ever travel to Paris or France..perhaps in another lifetime. Please give Annie a big hug from Arizona….
    btw….does Annie have any children that live near her? I am curious…

  60. Incredible. The cruelty of men towards others is unbelievable. Loved the photos-so moving.

  61. Tongue in Cheek

    HI JN
    Yes, Annie has two wonderful, loving children who live nearby.
    C

  62. I teach this history – I hope Annie and you don’t mind if I use this in my class?

  63. Affordable Insurance

    Loved the photos! Thank you so much for telling Annie’s
    story. What a sobering, yet inspirational, story.

  64. Picnics in Provence

    So very very humbling……..

  65. What brave young women. Thank you and Annie for sharing this story. A very poignant reminder of the unjust nature of war.

  66. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi L.
    Not at all.
    In fact I hope you do.
    C

  67. Has Annie recovered or does she find it hard to speak about those times? I can imagine some fears would never leave you and I will never cease to be amazed at the depths of evil and the heights of heroism people are capable of.

  68. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi K.C.,
    Annie freely shares her stories. She says her faith sees her through the stories of life.
    C

  69. I would love to know all of Annie’s life story. Perhaps you could write an article or a book? What a wonderful gift to her and to all of us!

  70. Hello Corey,
    I think Annie is a very special woman and you are very fortunate to have such a good friend in her. I love listening to older people tell about their lives. It would be wonderful if you could write a book about your life with Annie and tell some of her stories…you know you already have an audience in your followers 😉 I think it’s something that would appeal to a lot of people. I hope your day has been a good one so far.
    Maura 🙂

  71. I’ll never get tired of Paris….. and please, give Annie a hug from me, she’s such a great person!

  72. Wow. I read Sarah’s Key too and was struck by the fact that I’d never heard of the round-up before. I don’t blame Annie for never going to Paris again…the association must be painful. I have a feeling that you’ve only cracked the surface on all the amazing stories Annie has to share.

  73. Thank you Corey for sharing Annie’s story with us. Another reminder to guard our minds and our hearts.

  74. Amy Kortuem

    Oh. Oh, Annie. Oh my God.
    I would never go back either, if that was my Paris memory. Annie is a diamond – so beautiful, stronger than anything.

  75. Shelley@thiswhiteshed.blogspot.com

    Corey, your ‘Annie’ stories are among my favourites. This one captured my attention like no other. The strength and endurance of this woman’s spirit continues to fascinate and inspire. You are so lucky to have had her placed in your life!

  76. Brenda, Walker, LA, USA

    We need jewels like Annie sharing her courage, her strength, her faith and all the stories. Sad to say, sometimes history repeats itself. People like Annie and her sister can testify of thier faith to bring us through hardship and disaster. In a changing world, faith is what holds us steady, God is faithful!
    Thank you, Corey, for sharing!

  77. Your story made my jaw drop!!!

  78. Annie is a beautiful person and I’m lucky I’ve met her. Please, give her a hug from me, Corey.
    Reading this post reminded me ‘Life Is Beautiful’ movie about a Nazi camp in Italy during WWII.

  79. Vickie H.

    Oh Annie! May God continue to bless and keep you! Thank you for sharing her story, Corey.

  80. this is a heart wrenching story. Thank you for sharing it. My heart goes out to her aunt, and I pray the world will avoid this tragedy in the future by avoiding war.

  81. becky up a hill

    Thank you for sharing this heart breaking story. My love to Annie.
    I went to Willows today to visit family, thought of you. God Bless

  82. Oh Corey..please thank Annie for sharing part of history with you, and with us, your faithful blog readers.
    Annie,reminds me of my late Mother.. She too lived with the horrors of WWII, as her country, Belgium was invaded.
    Mom could/would never tell us exact reminisces, but little snippets as it was painful for her to remember.
    I am glad you and Annie are friends, and we get to share that friendship..and believe me, it is special.
    Bless you both. x

  83. Merci, Corey et Annie, for answering my inquiry, and so fully.
    Many apologies for the lengthy delay in replying and thanking you. Farmboy Husband and I are just starting to get Internet service back (albeit intermittently) after nearly 10 days sans, so I came across your reporting of Annie’s only Paris trip early in the process of trying to catch up on all the email and reading that accumulated in the interim. I’m grateful that Annie was so generous as to share this difficult account of events with you — and, by extension, with us blog-followers of yours.

  84. Lemon Tree Tami

    Just when I think that time has passed by something as little as a story brings back the horrors of those years. Annie was indeed very brave to go to Paris with her sister. I can’t even begin to imagine her sister’s weeks of trying to save her aunt.
    My mother-in-law lost all of her family that remained in Greece – including her great aunt and uncle who had raised her father. They took him to America and when he was a young adult, ready to live on his own, they said that they missed their village and returned to Greece, only to be taken by those monsters when they came years later.
    Tell Annie thank you for sharing her story.

  85. Thank you for telling Annie’s story, Corey. Please hug her for me too. She is a strong person with a twinkle in her eye, so are you.
    xox
    Constance

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