Tag Archives: Romagne-sous-Montfaucon

News & Events Over There: Still Planning Your Centennial Trip to France?

June 26, 2018 by Randy
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  For those of you still planning your 2018 Centennial trip to France, the Webmaster hopes this summary of events and information sites will be helpful to readers:   Meuse-Argonne.com Events The Webmaster and German historian Markus Klauer are offering a Small Group Battlefield Walk Series–with great date flexibility–from 20 – 27 September.  Each day will focus on a different Army Corps and will include a driven “monuments tour” in the am and an intensive hike in the pm.  The tour has also been designed Continue reading →

News and Events–Over There: Update on Local Centennial Events in France

June 11, 2018 by Randy
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As anticipated, numerous individuals, associations and communities in France are planning special events and exhibits for the 2018 Centennial.  The list below provides an update.  Travelers should consider working these events into their 2018 travel plans. The events below have been added to the 2018 Centennial Events page on the website.   Harry Rupert’s Photo Exposition of Americans in Chatel-Chehery and the Argonne:     Sjoerd van der Ven’s 89th Division Tours and Living History Event in Early November:     An On-going Exhibit at Continue reading →

We Forget Today: The Story of Cpl. Goerge Gaudette, KIA 10 November, 1918

January 22, 2018 by Randy
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  We forget today just what an impact World War I had on the lives of its participants and their families.  Long-time Yankee Division reenactor and researcher Alan Michael Crane recently forwarded this group of photos centered around Corporal Goerge Gaudette, Co. E, 102nd Inf. Regt., 26th Division, who was KIA on 10 November 1918.  He was awarded the DSC posthumously.  The photos also show his mother receiving the DSC from YD General Clarence Edwards as well as his mother making a Gold Star Pilgrimage Continue reading →

People of the Meuse-Argonne: Manon Bart

October 17, 2017 by Randy
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Even today French locals, other Europeans and Americans find themselves drawn to the Meuse-Argonne region of France.  Once drawn there, many return time and again; often working on a multi-year research or preservation project.  In this irregular interview series, the webmaster hopes to introduce readers to some of these individuals and their labors of love.   2018 update:  As of 16 January, 2018 Manon will be moving to Paris as a Communications Assistant with the American Battle Monuments Commission.  Congratulations Manon!       1)  Continue reading →

La Vie en France #20: A Look at Rural French Towns Along the Battlefield

October 3, 2017 by Randy
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Part 1:  What’s in a Town? This look at towns began with one of the Webmaster’s first tour clients; who as a town planner was interested in their water sources, including the historical lavoir or wash house.  Starting from there, the Webmaster began to see other common features too.  Regardless of size, almost every French town in the sector has the following items: Mairie (Town Hall)–If the town is large enough it is usually a combined Mairie/École.) War Memorial Church Salle de Fête  (Party Hall)–Regardless Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Luminary Event at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, 11 November, 2017

September 28, 2017 by Randy
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    At 3:00pm CET On Saturday, 11 November, the American Battle Monuments Commission will be hosting a (partial) luminary event to mark the 99th anniversary of the end of World War 1.  As dusk falls at the cemetery, approximately 3,500 (or 25% of the) headstones will be lit with candles, creating a powerful image of light overpowering darkness.  Attendees will have the chance to walk through the cemetery and to learn the stories of fifteen Americans honored within the hallowed grounds.  All are invited Continue reading →

People of the Meuse-Argonne: Jean-Paul de Vries

September 28, 2017 by Randy
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Even today French locals, other Europeans and Americans find themselves drawn to the Meuse-Argonne region of France.  Once drawn there, many return time and again; often working on a multi-year research or preservation project.  In this irregular interview series, the Webmaster hopes to introduce readers to some of these individuals and their labors of love.   Jean-Paul’s inclusion in this series is long overdue, because he has helped the Webmaster out numerous times since the two met in 2004!  In addition to running a museum Continue reading →

Join the Friends of Romagne and Support the Romagne 14-18 Museum

April 25, 2017 by Randy
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  Jean-Paul de Vries’ Romagne 14-18 Museum one of the best known museums / attractions in the Meuse-Argonne, and it is visited by thousands each year.  (The Webmaster first visited the museum in 2004, right before it moved to its current location.)  However, as with most museums it takes a tremendous amount of work and funds to operate.  In order to ensure adequate financial support for the museum, the foundation “Friends of Romagne” has been established.  Below is a letter from the foundation’s Chairman encouraging visitors Continue reading →

Then and Now: Field Hospitals Between Cuisy and Septsarges

December 31, 2016 by Randy
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    Caption:  Fig. 73–View from Cuisy across the valley toward Septsarges, showing Field Hospitals No. 19 and No. 21.   Location:  The photo is taken from the home / farm complex on the Northeast side of Cuisy.  The road in the foreground–which is the best way to match up the pictures–is the D19a (Route de Montfaucon).  Note that there appears to be no farmhouse (or farmhouse remains) on the right side of the road in the then photo.  The road running along the hilltop is the Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery Visitor Center Update Number 2

November 19, 2016 by Randy
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This post is a follow-up to a post dated July 16, 2016.     The newly-renovated Visitors Center at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon opened up on Veterans Day 2016 and the webmaster had the chance to visit it during his recent visit.   As described in the July post, the first floor was being divided into three main interpretive rooms:  A 1920s-style entrance room, a campaign gallery and a commemorative gallery.  The entrance room was designed to look as it was in the Continue reading →