Embedded Files
Adrienne Clarkson; journalist, stateswoman
Dating back to the 13th century, the cathedral in the city of Amiens; located about 75 miles (120 km) north of Paris, overlooks the Somme River. The cathedral towers in its presence with its exterior spine reaching 367 feet (112 meters) toward the heavens. Purely Gothic in design (as the one in Reims), it is the largest (in volume) cathedral in France; nearly twice as large as the one in Paris.
Medieval societies provided generations of craftsmen and laborers to toil, frequently under arduous and callous conditions, for the religious masters. Within these walls, arches and artwork, I keep in mind that it was the strength, devotion and faith of innumerable now nameless individuals, who gave their “everything” so people might be find wonder and amazement when crossing its threshold.
Outside, not too far away is the Somme River. Its source is a small French community in northern region; the Aisne Department. Its steady flow has been historically significant since the days of William the Conqueror (1066), during the 14th century withdraw of the English army and on to the 30 Years War of the 17th century.
To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.
Marcus Tullius Cicero; statesman, writer, philosopher
To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.
Marcus Tullius Cicero; statesman, writer, philosopher
How sad, I find, that there are far too many these days who do not know or choose to ignore the critical long-term consequences of the “shot heard round the world” which occurred over a century ago. The “war to end all wars” was ignited in 1914 in Europe. An account I read suggested that the driver of the vehicle transporting the Archduke and his wife (Sophie) through the streets of Sarajevo, mistakenly took a wrong turn. The decision brought the heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire; Franz Ferdinard, on a road where the killer happened to be located. Gavrilo Princip pulled the trigger.
Global conflict spanning from Great Britain and France all the way to Japan ensued. It was a time of established multi-layered European alliances which were actually empires with related monarchs. The death toll is estimated to be well over 20 million; including both civilian and military casualties. The number of those with lifetime injuries was just as staggering. Very consequential; even to this day, was the post-war collapse of the German and Austro-Hungarian empires, but also the Russian tsar and most notably, the Ottoman Empire (the Caliphate).
Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.
Marcus Aurelius; statesman, writer, philosopher
The Great War or La Grande Guerre began in July 1914 and ended at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month; November 1918. It affected North America, Europe, Russia and Japan but also, it ushered long-term consequences in Africa and the Middle East.
In Europe, many wear Red Poppies on Veterans' Day; 11 November, as a token of remembrance. The symbol is based on a 1915 poem entitled "In Flanders Fields."
Across the Atlantic Ocean, Woodrow Wilson was the U.S. President. His administration had to influence public opinion to sway toward supporting the fight "Over There." Despite millions of German immigrants who came through Ellis Island in the preceding years and America's steadfast desire to remain neutral, Wilson’s Committee for Public Information successfully ran a massive propaganda campaign which changed public sentiments. The result was American support to sending "Doughboys" to "defeat the nasty Huns." The sinking of the Lusitania brought the U.S. to the point of no return.
This is a war to end war.
Woodrow Wilson, president
Everyone today can trace a relative back to this pivotal time frame (1914-1918). It was a time of very limited opportunities for many, injustices to innocents and hardships for the common folk. Yet, it was a society dedicated to work, sacrifice, responsibility and civility despite poverty, hardships, discrimination, disappointment and death.
The Industrial Revolution, at the turn of the 20th century, brought the creation of modern all-arms warfare which included the introduction of flame throwers, tanks, poison gas and submarines. In Europe, after three years of conflict, lands were devasted and millions were dying of starvation, disease and from all encompassing military battles.
On the Ameican homefront, everyone regardless of race, gender and age was encouraged to contribute to the war effort overseas.
Facing racism and segregation in the U.S., Black Americans volunteered and served under French military command. About 170 of these gallant men were awarded the French Croix de Guerre, the nation's highest military award for heroism. The courage, humility and sense of honor of the "Harlem Hellfighters" and the "Black Devils" (as the Germans considered them) remain an integral part of its history taught in French schools for that era.
To understand the history of a people is to understand its heart.
James Baldwin; writer, civil rights activist
To understand the history of a people is to understand its heart.
James Baldwin; writer, civil rights activist
Over 116,000 “Doughboys,” members of the American Expeditonary Force, made the ultimate sacrifice. Their names are engraved into perfectly aligned white stones meticulously maintained at American cemeteries with names such as Somme, Meuse-Argonne and St. Mihiel. The locals have not forgotten them. (Many years ago, when I was in the military service, I had the honor of attending and speaking at a World War I Memorial Day service. The warm reception provided by the local villages and towns to my group of U.S. Army soldiers was of heartfelt gratitude and remembrance).
The important role of women in society emerged during this "Great War." American women served in all of the military services. They were nurses at the frontlines, signal transmitters or joined the Red Cross and Salvation Army. On the homefront, American women worked in manufacturing (i.e. munitions), chemical plants, and agriculture.
The passage of the 19th Amendment, allowing women to vote, reflected the critical importance of women in the workforce.
If the women in the factories stopped work for twenty minutes, the Allies would lose the war.
Henry Ford; industrialist
"We all had the same fear — that we would be forgotten.”
Anonymous British soldier, 1916
Inside the Amiens Cathedral, there are plaques affixed to the centuries old massive stones. They are dedicated to the memory of those fallen during the Battle of Somme. The plaque by which I am standing is in French and English and reads: “In memory of the Officers and Men of the Sixth Regiment, U.S. Engineers who gave their lives for the defense of Amiens. March 1918.”
The Battle of the Somme, which occurred in the Amiens area, is probably best described by Friedrich Steinbrecher, a German officer “Sommes. The whole history of the world cannot contain a more ghastly word.”
The mission of the “Essayons” (Let us try) American Expeditionary Force (AEF) engineers was full spectrum combat engineering support which included building bridges, clearing obstacles, trench and shelter fortifications and even water support. Their contributions broke the stalemate on the Western Front. Similar plaques for the British and Australian losses are also affixed throughout the cathedral.
Meanwhile, in a small town not too far away, Verdun had become the focal point of the warring armies. This is where my maternal grandfather, then only barely 17, was serving and surviving in the trenches of "No Man's Land."
Unfortunately, it is too late for many living today, to seek insights from relatives of those fateful years. However, these family members of yours did exist. Perhaps, you can understand that you owe a part of your existence to their courage, faith, civility and sacrifice. If you do, then they are not forgotten.
Next time ... still in Amiens:
Science fiction written over 150 years ago has come true and a Norman lady and her pizza place.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse