After the last blog was published we headed off to join the village for the Armistice Day memorial service. This was our first year so we didn't know what to expect...we just knew we wanted to be there.
We didn't understand much but could feel the sense of what was being said. We did find out later that this is the first year that France is also acknowledging people that have been lost in all wars and not just the first world war as has previously been. This is something that most countries are used to so we were glad this has become the way in France.
There was a special merit presentation during the ceremony...this was quite moving as everyone involved looked so proud and there was total mutual respect.
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| Jean Coupet was decorated with the medal of Knight in the National Order of Merit. |
They laid flowers and wreaths at the village memorial and it was wonderful to see the kids proudly involved...
When the service finished some of the old boys went to the local cemetery to lay flowers on their friend's graves...then everyone headed to the Mairie (town hall) to be together...
The council provided local wine, soft drinks, tea & coffee and a massive quiche (!) and the place was buzzing - French, English, German, Dutch...we all drifted off after an hour or so and Mark & I reflected on our first Armistice Day in Olonzac...
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