Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Share #1 Posted June 11, 2014 Last week I, along with Ken and some friends, had the honour of being invited to a private awards ceremony in the village of Houeville, Normandy, scene of some fierce fighting involving US paratroops during and after D-Day. Several returning vets were to be presented with their 70th Anniversary medals by Le Maire (The Mayor) and other village dignitaries in the village square. In the event, sadly not all of the expected vets made it due to reasons of ill health etc., so the "star of the show", in every respect was Mr Jack Schlegel of NY, a veteran of the 508th PIR and 91 years young! The ceremony was held under a tree in the village square. It was a bright evening but extremely chilly for the time of year! However, Mr Schlegel coped with it manfully, looking resplendent in his medal-bedecked jump-jacket and VFW garrison cap! Also in attendance was an Honour Guard of French Army veterans and most of the population of the village! In true French style there followed a variety of speeches and votes of thanks by Le Maire, a representative from the French Army and a host of other local dignitaries. An English translation was provided and a response on behalf of Mr Schlegel was given by an accompanying...though much younger...US vet! After the presentation, US and French anthems were sung accompanied by a short, sharp downpour, after which we all trooped down to the village hall for a "Vin d'honnuer"! I hope that the accompanying pics will convey something of the occasion. Firstly, the star of the show...Jack Schlegel...by the road named in his honour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted June 11, 2014 ....and just behind President Obama! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted June 11, 2014 Detail of the 70th Anniversary medal, struck by the French government for all returning vets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted June 11, 2014 Medals ready for presentation at the ceremony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #5 Posted June 11, 2014 The French Honour Guard assembling in the square. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #6 Posted June 11, 2014 The scene. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted June 11, 2014 Mr Schlegel arrives! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #8 Posted June 11, 2014 Le Maire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #9 Posted June 11, 2014 Representative of l' Armee Francaise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #10 Posted June 11, 2014 The presentation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #11 Posted June 11, 2014 A wreath is laid at Le Voie de Liberation marker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #12 Posted June 11, 2014 Mr Schlegel responds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #13 Posted June 11, 2014 The old meets the new! Two current US troopers were out on a hike and just happened upon the ceremony. There was an instant rapport! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #14 Posted June 11, 2014 That's Ken there in the background! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #15 Posted June 11, 2014 Mr Schlegel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #16 Posted June 11, 2014 Relaxing after the ceremony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #17 Posted June 11, 2014 Before going into the village hall for a "Vin d' Honneur", Mr Schlegel was invited to add his autograph to those of other vets on the underside of a Jeep hood, specially removed for that purpose! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #18 Posted June 11, 2014 Finally, yours truly's "I was there" pic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summersdogs Posted June 11, 2014 Share #19 Posted June 11, 2014 Bravo, bravo Mr Schlegel and all the vets who were there, and those who were there in spirit and memories ! Thank you so very much, Sabrejet, for the wonderful photos. Lynne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carrabassett Posted June 11, 2014 Share #20 Posted June 11, 2014 Great pictures, thank you so much for sharing. Wish I could have been there! Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Dentino Posted June 11, 2014 Share #21 Posted June 11, 2014 Great post Ian! Even at his age, Mr. Schlegel still strikes a proud figure...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #22 Posted June 11, 2014 Thanks all. It was a rare privilege to actually be there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share #23 Posted June 11, 2014 This little lad gave a very stirring rendition of La Marseillaise...the French national anthem. Not a dry French eye in the house! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevinBeyer Posted June 12, 2014 Share #24 Posted June 12, 2014 Thank you so much for sharing these photos with us. It is the kind of experience that happens only once in a lifetime, but for some of us never at all. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted June 12, 2014 Author Share #25 Posted June 12, 2014 Thank you so much for sharing these photos with us. It is the kind of experience that happens only once in a lifetime, but for some of us never at all. Kevin Thank you Kevin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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