French Chop Down Historic 'Name Trees' Carved by U.S. Soldiers During Normandy Invasion

Written by Adam Sage

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Friday, June 13, 2008

The names "Thomas and Dorothy" were carved in the bark of one trunk. Another said "Bob and Carma." Other trees were marked with soldiers' home states — Iowa, Maine or Alabama — and several bore hearts and the names or initials of a wife or girlfriend.

The beech trees of Saint Pierre de Varengeville-Duclair forest in France bore a poignant testimony to the D-Day landings for more than six decades. Thousands of American soldiers stationed there after the liberation of Normandy spent their spare hours with a knife or bayonet creating a lasting reminder of their presence.

Although the trees grew and the graffiti swelled and twisted, this most peculiar memory of one of the 20th century's defining moments remained visible — until now. Amid bureaucratic indifference and a dispute between officials and the forest owner, most of the trees have been felled, chopped up and turned into paper.

Click here to read more on this story from The Times of London.

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Comments

0 # SFC Cheryl McElroy US ARMY RET 2008-06-18 11:59

My Grandfather fought in the US ARMY 83rd Infantry Divison across Europe, including France. Another fine gesture on the part of the French showing their endless gratitude for the sacrifice of American Soldiers on their soil.

/sarcasm off

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0 # Winston 2008-06-19 12:34

I am outraged by their stupid action

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0 # Irene 2008-06-19 14:26

It is an outrage that France would dishonor the lives of our American soldiers who died for France's liberation from the Nazi's. Where would France be if our American soldiers never went to help them. The next time France needs help, ignore them.

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0 # jdog 2008-06-20 14:16

I'm not a big fan of the French but let's not get all bent out of shape over some tree's with graphite.... France has lots of WWII museums documenting the help they received from the Allied Forces as well as memorials throughout the Country. France is also one of very few countries who have actually paid back the financial aid we gave them to help rebuild after the war.

We are Americans, we are better than getting a little bent out of shape over a few tree's being taken down.

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0 # Scott T. 2008-07-08 16:20

...and reflects a lack of understanding of the french appreciation of American help in WWII. I have visited Omaha beach and seen the incredible, immaculate, tragic and beautiful American cemeteries there, the very well-maintained museums, the countless benefits provided to American soldiers, veterans, and American tourists. The normandy beaches are treated like holy ground by the French government (and don't forget, the french government actually gave the rights to the land to the American government as a symbol of the sacrifices their soldiers made). I have never, NEVER visited another place on earth that gave more respect and admiration for the sacrifices of American soldiers.

There are signs up in some of these small french towns in Normandy that still say "Welcome Americans!" They remember and appreciate their history far more than the ignorant Americans posting on this news report.

The only people who do disrespect to the American role in WWII are those who perpetuate the stereotypes that Americans and American soldiers are under-appreciated for what they did in France.

I am an American whose grandfather also fought in world war II.

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0 # Mark Nelson 2008-08-27 12:41

Spent a weekend there as an Air Force brat in the early 70's. Waitress at the restaurant made a stink about our traveler's checks..."You 'av no French money?" Totally embarrassing and out of line. Not a fan of such behavior.

At the same time, cutting into trees is vandalism, regardless of the circumstances. There are plenty of more appropriate memorials testifying to our soldiers' sacrifice at Normandy. It's a small, sad moment that they are gone, but not a tragedy and definitely not worth anger.

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0 # Jehnavi 2011-02-08 14:36

Only a few of the soldiers who expired overseas, are been buried within the American military cemeteries overseas. When the time for a permanent burial came, the subsequent of kin qualified to take the decisions were asked about their desire regarding the permanent burial of their loved ones in the U.S., otherwise interred at the overseas cemetery that was located closest.
http://www.historicaltravelguide.com/normandy-beach.html

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