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 projects. In this irregular series, the Webmaster hopes to introduce readers to some of these individuals and their labors of love.
Through these interviews the Webmaster has met many wonderful and unique personalities. He was thoroughly impressed by the 86-year-young Lee S. Anthony; who was touring the Meuse-Argonne independently late September / early October 2018! By luck he was able to dine with him at Didi and Maarten Otte’s Nantillois ’14 – ’18 Museum and B&B. Lee is a Historian and Past National Commander of the 80th Division Veteran’s Association.
Lee S. Anthony Recreating a Well-known Photo Inside the Church at Exermont
1) What are your name, nationality and occupation?
Lee S. Anthony. U.S. Citizen. “Retiring” medical / radiation physicist.
2) Which languages do you speak, and how fluently do you speak them?
English. Previously exposed to Latin, French, German and Russian, but not fluent.
3) When was your first visit to the Meuse-Argonne?
1990
4) When did you really find yourself drawn to the Meuse-Argonne?
1990
5) What is your primary interest in the region?
History
6) Approximately how many times and/or how often do you visit the Meuse-Argonne?
Approximately annually, 25 visits.
7) What do you do when you visit?
Participate in Memorial Services; visit friends; visit the battlefields; and gather artifacts.
8) What research or preservation projects are you working on currently?
I am still accumulating artifacts which I hope to place in a museum.
9) What research or preservation projects have you completed in the past?
Edited and published “The History of the 80th Division in WWI” by Russell Stultz.
Note: The book can be ordered here: https://www.80thdivision.com/books.html.
10) What is your favorite spot in the Meuse-Argonne, and why?
Nantillois – Bois des Ogons, where my father was wounded. Also the Church at Exermont.
The Bois des Ogons and Surrounding Area, Just North of Nantillois
11) History aside, what is your favorite thing to do in the Meuse-Argonne?
Meet with friends.
12) Schedule permitting, would you consider being a tour guide for individuals or groups traveling to the sector?
Yes
13) How can readers contact you for assistance or for more details?‘
They can write my office at 5346 Peters Creek Road, NW, Roanoke, VA 24019-3855.
14) Any other comments?
We must learn as much as possible, and must pass our knowledge of ancestral sacrifice to the next generation.
Robert Laplander, Lee S. Anthony and Jeremy Wayne Bowles Visiting the Romagne ’14 – ’18 Museum (Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Wayne Bowles)
