I switched on French television in the morning before leaving for the ceremony in Villefagnan to see the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and tomb of the unknown soldier bathed in sunshine.
The streets were clear with throngs of crowds at either side and there were flags bordering all along the Champs Elysee.(I hope they are still there for our forthcoming trip to Paris).
The build up to the ceremony was quite moving. An eternal flame has burned continuously since 1921, in memory of all who died in World War at the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe. Children were interviewed and showed a great understanding of the significance of this day.
We had to depart as we were commemorating the day in Villefagnan.
After meeting friends at the local cafe/bar we walked to our own monument. A short procession took place to the foot of the monument led by 4 flag bearers and followed by the mayor and villagers carrying flowers (not wreaths of red poppies but beautiful arrangements) to lay at the foot of the monument. Unlike our red poppies the blue cornflower - bleuet de France - is used as a symbol and buttonhole.
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| Blue cornflower |
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| Flag bearers leading procession outside Mairie (town hall) |
The ceremony was very moving. The names of Villefagnanais who died during the wars are called out and following each name either how they died or that they died for their country. As many families of the dead who gave their lives live in the town it was very personal. After this some children read poems or letter that had been sent home from the front during the First World War.
The national Anthem was then played and a couple of medals were given. One to the husband of the Mayor for his part in the French Algerian war and another for a man who was a flag bearer.
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| Flag bearers |
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| Mayor and flower bearers |
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| During La Marseillaise |
After this the community went to the covered market place for drinks and nibbles. Although I visit the very small market occasionally I hadn't really noticed the beautiful arches inside before. Perhaps it was once an outdoor market place that had walls built around it?
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| Inside market place |
We then went on to an amazing repas attended by about 50 people. This year for the first time I understand, it was open to everyone rather than just those who had a connection. i.e. fought in the Second World War.
We sat with our friend Paul and some lovely French people for a very long but wonderful meal.
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| The Menu |
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| The repas |
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| Chicken consomme |
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| Seafood Vol au vent |
We all ate far too much and drank too much as well. We wemt back to ours with some friends early evening having been at the repas for over 6 hours and...... carried on. Needless to say Phil had a slight sore head the following day but it was a truly wonderful day!
x
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