Notre Dame de Grace, Montreuil-sur-Mer, France.
"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." - Dwight D. Eisenhower
Today we honour the memory of all those servicemen and women who fought - many sacrificing their lives - in the name of freedom. In practically every town and village in Northern France, the town square is centered by a memorial honouring those soldiers who helped liberate France in World War II, as well as those in fought in WWI and other wars.
While this memorial is religious, thanking "Notre Dame de Grace" for protecting the city in 1939-45, another memorial to soldiers who lost their lives is in the town square (below). Alas, I couldn't get a better angle of the memorial, as cars were parked directly in front of it.
As Western leaders continue to try to justify infringing on our civil liberties "to protect us from terrorists," let us remember Benjamin Franklin's words in 1759 in Philadelphia: "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Taking liberties
If you are interested in law and human rights, you might find the film Taking Liberties well worth your time. It's about events in Great Britain, but the same principles apply around the world.
you know i'm renting that film. i hope it's at netflix.
These photos are amazing. And that quote! Thanks, as always, for the reminders
Posted by: Chris | 29 May 2009 at 22:29
beautiful Tara:) We ended our memorial day with family watching this
http://www.pbs.org/hallowedgrounds/
truly touching to see these hollowed grounds throughout the world. if you ever get a chance to watch it...bring a tissue;) xo
Posted by: Amy | 28 May 2009 at 05:49
Very beautiful. Do they celebrate Memorial Day in France at the same time we do? I know Canada doesn't... Belated Happies!
Posted by: jeanie | 27 May 2009 at 18:38
Thank you for the best post to remember this day!
Posted by: Noel Solomon | 27 May 2009 at 01:19
These are beautiful photos. Happy Memorial Day!
Posted by: Christina | 26 May 2009 at 05:56
This Benjamin Franklin quote is so timely. Happy Memorial Day
x..x
steph
Posted by: Stephanie | 26 May 2009 at 04:59
I must look out for Taking Liberties! Thanks for the link. M
Posted by: Marianne | 25 May 2009 at 23:29
Happy Memorial Day! Nice pictures, it reminds me that I'd like to at least once experience Memorial Day in a place that has seen war firsthand, as France has. Freedom, not a thing to take for granted...
Posted by: Cheryl de los Reyes Cruz | 25 May 2009 at 20:33
Oh I do miss parades! I will come by and see your photos. Thanks for the lovely compliments! Happy Memorial Day, Helen.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 May 2009 at 19:24
Nice post.
Happy Memorial Day Tara!
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | 25 May 2009 at 19:20
Beautiful photographs! After attending a parade today, I posted some parade photos in my blog that are very representative of the day in New England. Every town in New England observes in one way or another to honor their fallen soldiers.
I didn't comment on your previous floral photos, but they were so beautiful--particularly the bouquet at the top of your post.
Hope you are having a fine day in Paris!
Posted by: Helen | 25 May 2009 at 18:47
Tara,
Thanks always for your beautiful words and pictures.
Posted by: marilyn | 25 May 2009 at 18:04