This morning we went with Carolyn & the girls for the 11th of the 11th celebration in the village.
John had to work, the ski season doesn't stop for anyone although today is a public holiday in France.
The parade started near the village chapel. Beside the chapel a tree was planted in 1919 to celebrate freedom at the end of WWI. (Forgot to take a photo of the tree!)
The parade was led by the Mayor followed by 4 elderly local returned soldiers from the Algerian War, the children of the commune (shire or local government area), followed by the residents of the village (& us) down to the cenotaph. The Mayor made a speech. Obviously, we couldn't understand a word of what he was saying but the sombre mood is the same world over.
After the speech the parade continued on to the village cemetery to honour the returned dead soldiers. The celebration finished with a drink at the village hall.
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| The cenotaph before the parade |
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| Carolyn & I outside the chapel |
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| View walking through the village down to the cenotaph |
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| The 4 elderly returned soldiers holding flags |
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| The parade walking through the cemetery |
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