Commemorating the First World War

[Hoddy]

My village in England is planning to look into the background of the men whose names appear on the war memorial, together with those who served and came back. They intend to produce a booklet at the end of their investigations. They also intend to get the war memorial cleaned up.

This set me wondering. Are there any similar plans in villages and towns in France ?

Hoddy

[Loiseau]

Interesting question, Hoddy.

I have been looking on Google for "commemoration centenaire grande guerre" and have found a lot of websites on the subject, but they seem to be full of messages from prefectures asking maires and association what they've got planned so that they can be "labellisés".

Here's something about major national events

http://www.ouest-france.fr/grande-guerre-francois-hollande-lance-la-commemoration-du-centenaire-1695297

I was at Notre Dame de Lorette about 18 months ago, and noticed a lot of work going on towards a memorial commemorating ALL those who fell in the Nord Pas de Calais, without distinction of nationality (see second para of article).

Haven't seen anything at a local level here in the Vendee, but that's not to say there isn't stuff under way.

Angela

[Hoddy]

Thanks for the interesting link Loiseau. I now know more about what's happening nationally in France than I do about the UK.

On a local level the UK government has allowed a very small amount of money that we can bid for to finance our projects.

Hoddy

[Loiseau]

Here are some more for you, Hoddy. And for Chancer too!

Sitesfor the somme dept

http://www.centenaire-somme.com/english-version/

http://www.somme14-18.com/

http://www.centenaire-aerien-somme14-18.fr/

I am sure there is plenty going on in the UK as well.

This is a link to the excellent 1914-1918 forum (am I allowed to do that?)

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showforum=187

with 10 pages so far of planned event in the UK and elsewhere.

Angela