Here is one that has been making the rounds for a while (note the age of the veteran- he would have been 11 in 1944). I’ve gotten it forwarded to me or seen it online for like the 25th time since it first appeared about a dozen years ago.
Give it to him, Gramps!
Too bad it’s not true. You can substitute the American soldier for British or Canadian, if you really want to google it.
I suppose I should laugh, take it as a joke, if that was the purpose. There are rude customs officials, for sure. And on my first read, I’m sure the tale resonated at some level that made me proud.
But, then I read comments online like this:
“I have heard about that encounter before and I love to hear it re-told……too bad some of the nations thatt America has liberated or protected no longer appreciate it….or even seem to remember.”
And since that seems to be a very common reaction, maybe it’s time to call bullshit.
Here’s why.
I know a ton of American World War II veterans who returned to France and the Low Countries after they retired, well after the war. And far from forgetting, the memory of what the liberators underwent is indelibly seared into the consciousness on the continent where our troops fought, three generations later, and passed on to the children in who live in those places today. They turn out by the THOUSANDS to greet our veterans, and adopt the graves of fallen Americans to care for in their lands.
This American soldier was killed a month before the war ended and lies in the Netherlands, his grave tended by three generations of the same family. And the little guy, probably the 4th generation, is not American.
The vets are honored everywhere they go. One of my overseas acquaintances even runs a private museum (link above) dedicated to the sacrifices of the American soldiers who liberated his town in the Netherlands. I have been to WWII reunions here in the States where citizens and film crews from these countries have flown over to attend and honor these veterans. They are welcomed back to the concentration camp memorials in Germany with red carpet treatment and private tours.
The meme makes us feel good for our imaginary veteran, I suppose. But I get more misty-eyed watching my ninety-something year old friend from Buffalo, NY, Dick Lacey, riding in the jeep, overwhelmed at all the attention, who can only choke back five words- “Wow! Look at all the people!” [1:51, below]- seeing the crowds who have come out to wish him well.
***
Look at the film clip for “Heroes of Old Hickory“. Listen to the Dutch mayor, the French historians, and look at the monuments to honor the American sacrifices throughout NW Europe, through the eyes and the ears of our veterans returning one last time. (I know a lot of the guys featured in the film and got to watch this segment with them at its debut at their last reunion in Nashville last April, and I wish the filmmaker Lew Adams well as he wraps up post production on it.)
And did you know that France’s highest award, the Legion of Honor, is given to American veterans who fought in France? The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon, and is reserved for outstanding service to France. A lot of my friends have received it in ceremonies at French embassies or consulates, and it proudly donned on very special occasions. [Download the form below if you know a qualifying vet, before it is too late. They don’t award it posthumously.] So when it comes to our veterans, so much for that legendary French snobbery and ingratitude.
The Legion d’Honneur for US Veterans
Upon presentation of their military file as detailed hereunder, US veterans who risked their life during World War II to fight on French territory, may be awarded this distinction. Those selected are appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor.
