Under a leaden sky and with clouds pregnant with precipitation, a small group of us gathered around the village war memorial to celebrate the day in 1945 when France was liberated at the end of WWII. It was a simple event, with a small flower display placed at the foot of the war memorial, a few words from the mayor recounting the message from General Charles de Gaulle to the French people, telling them that it was the official end to the war, and the names of the dead read out. As the rain started and the wind picked up, it was soon over and time to make our retreat home. It’s good to remember the events of that momentous time history. Unlike Armistice Day which is solemn, whilst still remembering those that gave their lives, this is a day with some degree of celebration.

A bientot!