OUTPOST FRANCE

Written by Frederic Sanchez and Eric Renoux

Bonjour from Southern France!

Today, after spending a weekend in the footsteps of 551PIB paratroopers, we can say “a big thank you”, and bow down to so much bravery to all these veterans. The mountains rise steeply around these villages, at the sight, and under the shots of the Germans. The battalion helped liberate our region, France, and all of Europe.

We loved seeing, accompanying, receiving them at home, listen to their story, learn what this great generation has done for us. Listen to the story of the 551PIB, not through the books, but by the words of the veterans, we were touched, by the story, and the tragic end of the battalion. “They” and it is the veterans who speak is called “the forgotten battalion” or “the lost battalion”! We remember the immense relief of veterans when in the year 2000, the battalion was decorated with the “Presidential Unit Citation” We had the immense honor of meeting them during their stays in Europe. My Belgian and French friends helped me in this “Memory Duty” Even if my English is not good, it’s the language of the heart that allowed me to communicate with veterans for a long year.

Every year, we will be present for the ceremony anniversaries of the landing of Provence (Operation Dragoon), to wear the colors of the 551PIB. We hope that families and friends of the 551 will continue to join us. Look for announcements about planned events or email us for details.

GOYA!