NORMANDY 2001
A Family's Journey

Continued

THE CEREMONY
02 June 2001

I struggle for the adjectives to describe today's events. We arrived at Bricquebec in front of the monument early. No one was there yet, so we drove to a nearby gas station to fill up the car. Mary was not feeling too well, and almost wasn't able to come with us today. When we returned to the monument, people started arriving all over the place. I was so happy to see Henri Lefauvre who came from Perrier because he was the one who found the monument for me way back when. He is a way big-time sweetheart. He called his son Christian on his cell phone so I could speak to him! This was a high point for me, as Henri is just the nicest man in the world, and I got to meet him in person - what a treasure.


Henri LeFauvre and Carol Schafer

The Mayors of Rocheville and Bricquebec were there. Most of the townspeople from the parish were there. Albert, Michel, Mick and our new friend, Antoine (Tony), were there early.

Mick Simon, Henri Lefauvre, Michel Rose, Don Parker, Antoine, Albert Tapin

 The Mayors both gave speeches during the ceremony...

Dad with Maire LeLaidier (Rocheville) and Maire Vedie (Briquebec)

... and then Henri gave a speech translating for (Rocheville Mayor) Maire Georges LeLaidier.

Henri translates Maire LeLaidier's remarks
During the ceremony, there was a line of Frenchmen who held flags, a drummer, a trumpeter, many schoolchildren who brought flowers to lay at the monument's base, and many others.

The children show their respect with flowers.

They had a flower arrangement for Dad to put on the monument, with both Mayors helping. What a sight. It was more than I can describe to you, listening to the speeches and understanding most of what was said. It is gratifying that our war dead are not forgotten - not in France.

After the service, Dad and Maire LeLaidier went down the line of flag-bearers, shaking hands. Dad was overcome with emotion, as he tried to express his gratefulness to them, and to everyone for this beautiful service in his brother's honor.


Dad Shakes Hands with Flag Bearer

An Emotional Moment After the Ceremony

Then Dad was presented with a miniature statue of the monument! He was so happy to have it, and he just marveled at it for the longest time.

Dad and I with the Monument Replica
A man whose parents and family were killed at Auschwitz, Gregoire Brainin, kissed Dad's hand and fell to the ground in front of him, thanking him "for his freedom and liberty." I guess we take things for granted even more than we know, because the War is still very real to these folks. I felt very lucky to have had a nice childhood, especially after hearing Mr. Brainin's remarks.

I also talked to one of the flag-bearers and his wife. They didn't speak English, but from what I could understand, he had been at Auschwitz at one time. I believe he said he had been forced to work there, but my translating abilities failed me beyond that. He had tears in his eyes, and the subject was obviously hard for him. I expressed our deep appreciation for his part in the ceremony. You can see by the expressions on these folks' faces that emotions are very high, and they feel every minute of it.


The Faces Of Friends.

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