With respect, for the attack on Raon L'Etape, the 398th was assigned to hold the German's attention by firing on the town and environs from across the Meurthe River while the 397th and 399th crossed at Baccarat. Reference the Story of the Century, page 56.
Following the war, the 100th vets would meet annually for national and regional group reunions. This included a solemn memorial service including a set of candles in brass holders. At some point, these were outlawed by the fire marshal. Instead they used hotel water glasses. Realizing the history, it struck me as ironic that those who made the ultimate sacrifice liberating a region known worldwide for its fine crystal should be commemorated using plain glass water tumblers. Working with French military historian Lise Pommois, we were able to secure a set of Alsatian crystal candleholders. One is shown on the homepage of the "Progeny of the Century" Facebook page.
Ah, I thought that's what I was saying but I tossed those references in at the last minute. I've deleted all but the general idea. I'll avoid last minute editing.
I'm concerned that I might overstep, venture into "nitpicking" and put a shuemine in my mouth. To be clear, I very much respect, appreciate, and admire the great work you're doing here and what it takes to do it...
Thanks, and no worries. I'm a veteran of writing groups so fairly thick skinned. There are a lot of moving parts in trying to write about battles and it's very easy to be unclear especially with last minute additions.
With respect, for the attack on Raon L'Etape, the 398th was assigned to hold the German's attention by firing on the town and environs from across the Meurthe River while the 397th and 399th crossed at Baccarat. Reference the Story of the Century, page 56.
Following the war, the 100th vets would meet annually for national and regional group reunions. This included a solemn memorial service including a set of candles in brass holders. At some point, these were outlawed by the fire marshal. Instead they used hotel water glasses. Realizing the history, it struck me as ironic that those who made the ultimate sacrifice liberating a region known worldwide for its fine crystal should be commemorated using plain glass water tumblers. Working with French military historian Lise Pommois, we were able to secure a set of Alsatian crystal candleholders. One is shown on the homepage of the "Progeny of the Century" Facebook page.
Ah, I thought that's what I was saying but I tossed those references in at the last minute. I've deleted all but the general idea. I'll avoid last minute editing.
I'm concerned that I might overstep, venture into "nitpicking" and put a shuemine in my mouth. To be clear, I very much respect, appreciate, and admire the great work you're doing here and what it takes to do it...
Looking forward... Never forget!
Thanks, and no worries. I'm a veteran of writing groups so fairly thick skinned. There are a lot of moving parts in trying to write about battles and it's very easy to be unclear especially with last minute additions.
Thanks, good to know.
By any chance are you planning to attend the March ceremonies for the 80th anniversary of the Bitche area liberation?
Looking forward...
Probably not. There's a lot going on. The 2004 tour was intense and special and filled with ceremonies though it would be nice to see Lise again.