In my “Off to War Then and Now—Always too Young,” I shared some impressions about the gratitude the French people still hold for the American military who helped liberate their country during World War II, and I promised the couple of interested readers that I would follow-up with some additional thoughts on France and the French people: Their performance and experiences during World War and their and my reflections on that difficult period 70 years ago.
Those who are interested can find these reflections in “France: Impressions of a Passer-by” with the following caveat:
I am not a French history expert or a Francophile. I am merely commenting on how a brief visit to France, a few conversations, and visiting some “concrete examples” of French gratitude and respect have altered my perceptions — perhaps misconceptions — of the French people and of their recent history.
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.