Hello dear friends
on the eleventh hour
of the eleventh day
of the eleventh month
we pause to remember our brave soldiers
who lost their lives
as they fought in the battlefields of
France and Belgium.
Le Quesnoy is a town in northern France.
This
book tells the story of Le Quesnoy's liberation
through the eyes of a child
living in the town at the time.
It is surrounded by
high walls and deep trenches.
In World War I it was occupied by the
German army
for four long years.
In November 1918 the town was liberated by soldiers
from
far-away New Zealand.
Because these men used a bit of 'kiwi' ingenuity
they were
able to take the town back
without a single civilian life being lost.
This has
become one of the most famous stories in
New Zealand military history and the
relationship between
Le Quesnoy and New Zealand continues to this day.
I bought the book for my French granddaughters
so they can better understand the connection
between New Zealand home of their mother
and France.
The book is written by Glyn Harper
with beautiful watercolour illustrations
and simple
language
make it a picture book that young readers
can readily and
imaginatively engage with.
Cambridge, New Zealand
is the sister town to Le Quesnoy.
There will be a special envoy from France
at the commemoration service held there today.
New Zealand will also have a representative
at the commemoration in Le Quesnoy.
New Zealand will also have a representative
at the commemoration in Le Quesnoy.
Thank you for your visits
WELCOME
to my new followers
it's lovely to meet you here!
Merci à bientôt
be kind to one another!
be kind to one another!
I lovely tribute to the Veterans. Sounds like a wonderful service in honor of the soldiers. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I move to New Zealand 7 years ago but have never heard this story. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteGod bless our dear soldiers!
ReplyDeleteI have so many to remember from long ago and more recently. There will be a moment of quite reflection in my day tomorrow. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWe remembered the fallen in our church service today (Sunday) and tomorrow there will be services at the cenotaphs. It is good to remember. What a lovely storybook to give to your grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteThis book sure is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story and bravery and courage..lest we forget🌺
ReplyDeletea lovely post for todays remembrance. I will have to search where I can see this book.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week. I am joining you through Mosaic Monday.
God bless the brave soldiers. Such a beautiful tribute Shane.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about a very special and poignant connection between New Zealand, France and Belgium. We continue to remember and reflect as we commemorate Armistice Day today, 11th November.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute ,dear Shane, and your grand daughters will love that wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteHUGS, Dorthe
I didn't know about that connection Shane. It's so interesting that two countries so far apart are intertwined.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to read of this connection. A beautiful post. I also like what you did with the photo challenge --- love that snow!! Been catching up on your posts! Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteHi Dearest Shane,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit and your kind words to me. I so appreciate it.
I didn't know the story of Le Quesnoy, but thank you for sharing it with all of us. May you have a blessed day. xo
Hi Shane, You have written a wonderful and moving tribute for Veterans Day. My father battled in Normandy at Omaha Beach.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
And thank you for stopping by and your kind comment.
Yes, I started back Sept.1st to blogland even though it may be in limited posts. I missed everyone.
Have a great week.
Hugs
Good that children learn about the history. It was interesting to read your post.
ReplyDeleteHugs and love
AnnaMaria
This was beautiful and I say, Amen...
ReplyDeletehughugs
Thanks so much for sharing this -- the book looks beautiful and what a wonderful way to learn history. A war that must never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to veterans. I got up this morning and started my day by watching the Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa here in Canada. It's so important I believe we don't forget.
ReplyDeleteDenise
Just trying to catch up on some of your posts Shane ... my neighbour went to Armistice in Cambridge & absolutely loved it & said it was so well done. Your book is lovely - my Dad was a returned serviceman so this always reminds me of him x0x
ReplyDeleteThat does look like a lovely little book. This summer my mom and I visited a small veterans memorial in Mississippi where there's a picture of my uncle's nephew who was killed in Vietnam. It's always moving to see the faces of those who gave their lives, knowing they have families with stories to tell. November 11th also happens to be my brother's birthday. Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteOh sounds so interesting! I must learn this story. A very special connection between the countries.
ReplyDeleteI just read this post, a wee bit late, and really enjoyed hearing of the connection between New Zealand and this small French town during the end of the war. The book looks wonderful. Thank you for sharing it Shane.
ReplyDelete