It was now time for an "official" welcome to Saint Vougay at Town Hall. Imagine the honor of being welcomed by the Mayor of Saint Vougay, Marie-Claire Henaff, as well as the "Conseiller general du finistere pour le canton de Plouzevede" and (as Monique had told me that morning he is also the Mayor of Cleder.) I got the idea that they were both very important people in these parts, and I was feeling very honored indeed.
I was happy to see familiar faces around the table: Hervé, Vincent, Gerard Danielou, the "Other Mayor," Monique, Martine and Iffig.
Then more came in: Jean Paul, Dédé and Jean Louis, Guénolé, and a couple of new faces too.
The honorable Gerard Danielou made a gracious speech of welcome (in French,of course) and Michelle and Bernard interpreted for me.
Then the Mayor of Saint Vougay, Marie Claire Hénaff made her own speech, and because she knew I wanted to see the Kerjean Castel, she presented me with three tickets (for Michelle, Bernard and I) a packet of historical information on the castle, and two beautiful commemorative coins of "Chateau de Kerjean." (more on that later).
The Mayor proudly showed me Destia Hermes' packet detailing all the history of The Big Bitch, with letters and photographs. I didn't mention that I knew this because I wanted to enjoy it in the light of her pride and spirit of sharing.
The Mayor read some of the letters received from other relatives of the B-17 crew, and showed me the key to the city received from North Platte, Nebraska. It was clear to me that this wonderful group of people were truly dedicated to this mission of keeping history alive and were sincerely grateful and thankful for the heroism of our dead soldiers. It was very moving to see the Mayor's presentation.
Michelle, bless her heart, stayed close to translate for me all the fast moving conversation.
I felt like I'd known Michelle for years. Having her and Bernard witness all this and share it with me was very special indeed.
Then, of course, it was time for another toast! There was always red wine for me wherever we went! Iffig caught on to that one very quickly and teases!
Hervé Simon talks with Marie Salomon, neé Le Roux, daughter of François La Roux who in 1945 wrote a letter to the relatives of Lt. Thomas Morgan, telling of the plane crash in Brittany. As this information and more filtered down to the Hermes over the years, it added to their determination to pay their respects to Thomas Morgan. They were the first to visit Saint Vougay in 2005.
Unfortunately, I had no interpreter during my conversation with Marie Salomon, but I certainly 'got' her enthusiasm and intentions. And I knew her story from reading the Hermes'magnificent accounts of the whole experience.
Our group moved outdoors to the church yard where François La Roux is buried.
This was the tomb of the man who made it his business to get letters to the Red Cross and to the family members of Thomas Morgan because he found Morgan's I.D. bracelet near the body after the crash, and didn't know what the Germans would do.
Our group had many stories to tell, and retell. Michelle and Bernard were getting much information for the first time (and in French!)
My friends from Cote D'Armor were welcomed whole heartedly, as I was, and it made me very happy to see such wonderful people get to know each other.
General Patton and I pose for the camera before setting off for Kerjean Castle!
It has been an inspiring and informative meeting with the Mayors! Thank you, Saint Vougay!
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# posted by bevjackson @ 11:26 AM
