France has something like 11 public holidays a year – the most in Europe – and the majority of them (three) fall in May. May 1st is Mayday, and today (May 8th) is Victory in Europe day.
Today there are special church celebrations of thanksgiving, memorials at public cenotaphs, and just a hint in the air of the overwhelming joy that the French people felt 65(!) years ago today when the Axis powers were soundly defeated.
As for Canada and the village of Menton, there is a special bond that most Canadians do not realize.
The village of Menton, which was the first village in France to be invaded by the Italian fascists (June, 1940 – then transferred to Vichy control administered by the Nazis) was actually liberated by a combination division of Canadians and American militia, known as The First Special Service Force http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Special_Service_Force ) on the 8th of September, 1944. I think there’s something to be said for that. I can tell you I certainly was not taught that in school – and the only way that I know about it is the memorial in the public square here. Paul and I hope to place some red & white flowers at it today in our own small way of remembrance.
The village of Menton has several memorials scattered about (not as many as Paris, but then again it wouldn’t). While there is perhaps a certain romanticism about living in occupied France, it must have been a terrible time to be alive. It’s times like this that I’m even prouder to be a Canadian.
On an interesting note to our friends back home, Paul & I are keeping up our Friday night tradition of dinner out. I hope you’re sitting down for this, but I actually ordered the SEAFOOD PLATTER (photo attached), while Paul timidly ordered a pizza. Okay, it wasn’t timidly – he just felt for it. Keeping in the food vein, we have been faithfully watching Un Dîner Presque Parfait (The Perfect Dinner) all week on M6. Last night, they absolutely trashed a poor 20 year old guy who’s turn it was to host – one of his guests giving him two zeros out of the 3 scores (food, table setting & entertainment). Poor guy! Oh well, as they say here, C’est la Vie!
For my Aunt Elaine, I’ve posted 2 photos of the Menton Casino. It’s not as prestigious as the one in Monte Carlo, but they’ll take your money just the same!
Today’s video comes from the roof top deck. Enjoy!
it's snowing here in Elora, I'm totally serious...; you bums...
ReplyDeletethat seafood platter looks amazing, I could scarf it down right now! I think I need to go find a snack :-)
bon appetit!
It was scrumptious - but then again, just about anything deep-fried is.
ReplyDeleteSNOWING??? OMG - it was so nice when we left. It's been really nice here with sun every day, but it's actually been cooler than normal - but not cold enough to snow!