Thank You To All Our Veterans

As each year, the end of WW1 is remembered in all villages across France.Below some pictures of célébrations in our village.







And here some images taken in the woods of Rethondes near Compiègne, where the armistice was signed in on 11.11.2014 in Maréchal Foch's train wagon.









Lieven

I have always given since I have been able only $ to help as I was not there but , Very thankful .....Eric

Jacob, Duke and others that have posted these threads or PMed me today;

Thank you gentlemen

Lieven, Over the 15 total years I was posted to Germany from 1974 to 1994 (5 assignments), We had the fortune to visit many WWI and WWII sites in France; The people were great, and hosted us with sincere reverence and honor even knowing we were much too young to appreciate what they experienced.

I happened to travel to former Czechoslovakia on a Harley Motorcycle shortly after the wall fell, and USA soldiers were allowed travel to former Soviet areas. That experience was the only other time that European citizens made me as welcome as the French did.

As most can understand from my last name and many years in Germany the wife and I have a lot of memorabilia. One of our fondest treasures are photos of several Veterans day memorial ceremonies in France.

We both have been to the Arlington WDC Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for many ceremonies, each was a serious emotional event. The various similar ceremonies in France are equally significant and emotional...especially as each year fewer and fewer WWII veterans are with us to attend.

We are both proud to have served and humbled each year at this time with all the Thanks
from everybody

Fred C von Gortler IV 1SG (Ret)
Rowena K von Gortler CSM (Ret)