Such a moving piece, Don, that speaks to the power of history, remembrance, family, honor, and so much more. Your experiences have deepened your roots to your dad and your new home as well. I remember a graduate school professor who told me she had spent a chunk of her grant proposal explaining why travel to the place and thus the subsequent ability to walk along the streets where the 300-year-old story she was excavating had taken place were just as important as days in the archives to her project. Your experience speaks the truth of her contention.
Theresa will be sharing it on Friday. I think it also speaks to the power of "place," especially as we've had the opportunity to see our new home with fresh eyes.
Absolutely-- I took my former professor's lead and explained why I needed to walk the streets where the 18th-century publisher whom I am working on lived and work when I applied for grants.
Very beautiful and moving story. In addition to the media you mentioned, have you seen the incredible documentary from the 1960s called The Sorrow and the Pity (Le Chagrin et la Pitié) by Marcel Ophuls (who recently passed away)? It contains interviews of resistance fighters, collaborators, and Nazi officers stationed in France. It does a brilliant job of portraying the complexities of life under the occupation straight from the people who lived it.
I can't help thinking--wouldn't your Dad have been fascinated to see where his critical deliveries landed? Also, to be the direct recipient of deep gratitude, respect, and appreciation for risking his young life...
Thanks, Don. Beautifully written, and an honor to your father.
For 15 years, flew to France every few months on business, traveling from Paris down to Angouleme and Cognac. One can’t help but be struck by the constant reminders of the horrors endured by, and the bravery of French citizens during the war.
Don and Theresa, thanks for your beautifully written pieces about your visit and the experiences of your families in France many years ago. Inspirational, emotional, and so very personal.
Don, so beautiful and moving. You're dad like so many others played the part of an unsung hero of history. Glad that he was honored. Like Theresa, I cried.
What a powerful story full of courage, sacrifice and history. I feel honored to now know more of your dad and what he and others like him faced. So well written and I’m sure one of the most memorable places you will ever visit.
Such a moving piece, Don, that speaks to the power of history, remembrance, family, honor, and so much more. Your experiences have deepened your roots to your dad and your new home as well. I remember a graduate school professor who told me she had spent a chunk of her grant proposal explaining why travel to the place and thus the subsequent ability to walk along the streets where the 300-year-old story she was excavating had taken place were just as important as days in the archives to her project. Your experience speaks the truth of her contention.
I eagerly await Part 2.
Theresa will be sharing it on Friday. I think it also speaks to the power of "place," especially as we've had the opportunity to see our new home with fresh eyes.
Absolutely-- I took my former professor's lead and explained why I needed to walk the streets where the 18th-century publisher whom I am working on lived and work when I applied for grants.
Beautiful. Thank you.
Wow what a beautiful heart-wrenching and heartwarming story --
As several others have noted, a very moving piece, Don. Just a great experience for you.
Thanks, Jim. It was thoroughly moving.
Very beautiful and moving story. In addition to the media you mentioned, have you seen the incredible documentary from the 1960s called The Sorrow and the Pity (Le Chagrin et la Pitié) by Marcel Ophuls (who recently passed away)? It contains interviews of resistance fighters, collaborators, and Nazi officers stationed in France. It does a brilliant job of portraying the complexities of life under the occupation straight from the people who lived it.
The Sorrow and the Pity is on our list. It's a long one, I know.
Incredibly moving and well written account Don. Thank you for sharing
Like Theresa, tears in my eyes.
Your detailed descriptions bring me to tears. Your father would be so proud to know that you are part of these incredible remembrances.
We keep wondering if it's a trip he would've enjoyed. But I don't think he even knew where he flew on that first mission.
I can't help thinking--wouldn't your Dad have been fascinated to see where his critical deliveries landed? Also, to be the direct recipient of deep gratitude, respect, and appreciation for risking his young life...
Thanks, Don. Beautifully written, and an honor to your father.
For 15 years, flew to France every few months on business, traveling from Paris down to Angouleme and Cognac. One can’t help but be struck by the constant reminders of the horrors endured by, and the bravery of French citizens during the war.
While we were in the vicinity, we visited Oradour-sur-Glane. I'm not sure I can bring myself to write about it.
Beautiful piece! Thank you
Don and Theresa, thanks for your beautifully written pieces about your visit and the experiences of your families in France many years ago. Inspirational, emotional, and so very personal.
Best,
Andy Cohn
Thanks Andy. We've learned so much since moving here.
Don, so beautiful and moving. You're dad like so many others played the part of an unsung hero of history. Glad that he was honored. Like Theresa, I cried.
Thanks, Jeff. It was a wonderful experience.
What a powerful story full of courage, sacrifice and history. I feel honored to now know more of your dad and what he and others like him faced. So well written and I’m sure one of the most memorable places you will ever visit.
What an amazing family story--thank you for sharing!