Quote:
Originally Posted by nittanyalum
This really pisses me off: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle4124354.ece
Officials fell trees inscribed by US soldiers who fought for France
Historic ‘name trees’ bore thousands of carvings
The names “Thomas and Dorothy” were carved in the bark of one trunk. Another said “Bob and Carma”. Other trees were marked with soldiers’ home states - Iowa, Maine or Alabama - and several bore hearts and the names or initials of a wife or girlfriend.
The beech trees of Saint Pierre de Varengeville-Duclair forest bore a poignant testimony to the D-Day landings for more than six decades. Thousands of American soldiers stationed there after the liberation of Normandy spent their spare hours with a knife or bayonet creating a lasting reminder of their presence.
Although the trees grew and the graffiti swelled and twisted, this most peculiar memory of one of the 20th century’s defining moments remained visible - until now. Amid bureaucratic indifference and a dispute between officials and the forest owner, most of the trees have been felled, chopped up and turned into paper. ... (more at link above) |
I agree, this is sad. And I read the comments as well.
Some local PTB just did not think.
And we do it as well. Right here. Right now.
We are losing every day parts of our own history right here.
So it seems to be rather hard to throw just too many stone over there.
And as I posted elsewhere a while ago, my Uncle's unit was 2nd wave Ohama. Long story short-he made thought the war as a FAO. Was put up for a Silver Star, received the Bronze. Several years ago, he found himself at his units grave site. He fell apart, like in SPR. As he recovered, several Frenchmen and women came up to him and said: Thank you. We remember them as well.