I was born in france from French parents in 1946. My father, who headed a small French government agency, was giving to the Nazis wrong numbers, and at the beginning of 1943, was denounced and one night, arrested as a political prisoner by the Gestapo, and sent to concentration camp in Germany then Austria. His camp was freed by a detachment of the US army in late 1944, I wouldn't be born without their incredible courage. My father kept exchanging mail with the US captain who freed his camp, till one day I saw my dad in tears, saying, ' My captain passed away.'
The camp in Austria, near the little city of Plansee, was not an extermination camp, they were cold, undernourished, but the prisoners there were considered simply as hostages to be killed in reprisal.
An interesting thing is that after D Day, the German captain of the camp left the door to his office opened at night, so two other prisoners and my dad could come and listen to the BBC to learn about the progress of the Allied, and then let the other prisoners know. When the US detachment arrived and freed the camp, the orders for the US army was to first execute the head of each camp. So my dad and two other prisoners pleaded for two hours that the German captain be spared, but of course, orders orders were orders of course, and the US captain couldn't do anything against it. But it shows how everything is so tragic. Democracy is so essential to keep, war is so horrific, and how much courage everyone deploys.
Thank you for telling that story. First of all it was interesting, but also, there are so many people who do not know the stories of World War II, particularly young people. I’m very glad I had a chance to read that fascinating in every detail.
“On this Memorial Day, in honor of Americans who have died fighting for our country, I pledge whatever life I have left to helping create a world in which people will die in war no more”... I was in the National Guard for six years ... and thankfully never on the battlefield ... I honor your pledge ... Thank You!
Thank you Marianne for putting into words what is more than just a frivolous celebration of our freedoms, but a deep meaning of our knowing the history, the sacrifices, the service.. may I give of my body mind and spirit to the continual evolution of our world through consciousness, light and true sober values of honor!
The Vietnam Vets didn't get a heroes welcome when they returned from battle because our participation in that war was so contentious. So when they met another Vietnam Vet they said "Welcome Home. If you meet a Vietnam Vet please say, "Welcome Home" to honor their service.
Honor those who served and suffered as well as the suffering of their families. Also remember that war is not inevitable and the road to peaceful resolution is imperative.
❤️🩹 I also honor all conscientious objectors to service in war time as well. Those were extremely difficult decisions to make as well. Also has lifetime repercussions as well. Perhaps if we gave more recognition to these we’d see a better way forward .
I was born in france from French parents in 1946. My father, who headed a small French government agency, was giving to the Nazis wrong numbers, and at the beginning of 1943, was denounced and one night, arrested as a political prisoner by the Gestapo, and sent to concentration camp in Germany then Austria. His camp was freed by a detachment of the US army in late 1944, I wouldn't be born without their incredible courage. My father kept exchanging mail with the US captain who freed his camp, till one day I saw my dad in tears, saying, ' My captain passed away.'
The camp in Austria, near the little city of Plansee, was not an extermination camp, they were cold, undernourished, but the prisoners there were considered simply as hostages to be killed in reprisal.
An interesting thing is that after D Day, the German captain of the camp left the door to his office opened at night, so two other prisoners and my dad could come and listen to the BBC to learn about the progress of the Allied, and then let the other prisoners know. When the US detachment arrived and freed the camp, the orders for the US army was to first execute the head of each camp. So my dad and two other prisoners pleaded for two hours that the German captain be spared, but of course, orders orders were orders of course, and the US captain couldn't do anything against it. But it shows how everything is so tragic. Democracy is so essential to keep, war is so horrific, and how much courage everyone deploys.
Thank you for telling that story. First of all it was interesting, but also, there are so many people who do not know the stories of World War II, particularly young people. I’m very glad I had a chance to read that fascinating in every detail.
“On this Memorial Day, in honor of Americans who have died fighting for our country, I pledge whatever life I have left to helping create a world in which people will die in war no more”... I was in the National Guard for six years ... and thankfully never on the battlefield ... I honor your pledge ... Thank You!
Marianne, may all adopt your pledge. We need to transform and not waiver!
Thank you Marianne for putting into words what is more than just a frivolous celebration of our freedoms, but a deep meaning of our knowing the history, the sacrifices, the service.. may I give of my body mind and spirit to the continual evolution of our world through consciousness, light and true sober values of honor!
The Vietnam Vets didn't get a heroes welcome when they returned from battle because our participation in that war was so contentious. So when they met another Vietnam Vet they said "Welcome Home. If you meet a Vietnam Vet please say, "Welcome Home" to honor their service.
Honor those who served and suffered as well as the suffering of their families. Also remember that war is not inevitable and the road to peaceful resolution is imperative.
❤️🩹 I also honor all conscientious objectors to service in war time as well. Those were extremely difficult decisions to make as well. Also has lifetime repercussions as well. Perhaps if we gave more recognition to these we’d see a better way forward .
Most of the people who died in foreign wars, were drafted.
Amen
Yes! As we remember those who served and gave their lives for freedom, let us do all we can to become peacemakers!
I am grateful for your insights-peace-building is the answer!
Beautiful remembrance. 🇺🇸❤️🙏