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Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

At 6:30 PM every evening, a torch is rekindled. Veterans lay wreaths decorated with the red, white and blue colors of the French flag near its flickering flame. A daily ritual since it was first lit in 1923,  the torch burns eternally in memory of  an unknown French soldier who gave his life during the First World War.

Under the Arc de Triomphe stands this torch. The unknown soldier buried here represents all the unidentified soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.


An inscription on the tomb  reads “ Ici Repose un Soldat Français Mort pour La Patrie 1914-1918” (Here lies a French soldier who died for his fatherland 1914-1918).
Arc de Triomphe
It is heartbreaking to think of the countless bodies of fallen soldiers who were never identified : husbands, sons or fathers who never came home after the war.

The unknown soldier gave his life to a war not of his making nor his liking to protect the freedom of people who will never know his name.

Sharing Chris de Burgh's haunting song Borderline by Singaporean singer Chyi.

"...But these are only boys, and I will never know
How men can see the wisdom in a war.."



Musings Of A Tired Mummy

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29 comments:

  1. An Apel a DayAugust 28, 2019 at 6:04 AM

    The symbol is so fascinating. I wish the solider would have a name, someone to belong to. BUT then this wouldn't mean so much. There's a lot on unknown soldiers out there I'm sure.

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  2. bettyAugust 28, 2019 at 9:29 AM

    It is sobering to think of those who died and were never named and thereby claimed by their family. Impressive looking! I saw the one at the Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC along with the ceremony of the passing of the guard. Truly memorable and honorable.

    betty

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  3. Hootin AnniAugust 28, 2019 at 1:10 PM

    Humbling song! And incredible sacrifices made during wars.

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  4. gluten Free A_Z BlogAugust 29, 2019 at 9:43 PM

    Very thought provoking - the quote says it all..

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  5. SakurankoAugust 31, 2019 at 11:30 AM

    Oh very interesting darling
    xx

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  6. A Bit of the BlarneySeptember 2, 2019 at 10:41 AM

    Such a humbling post. I often recall my visits to Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier there. And the graves at Normandy with crosses of the unknown buried there! It is heartbreaking! Wishing you well!

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  7. Hena TayebSeptember 2, 2019 at 2:51 PM

    It is a wonderful gesture on the part of the french.

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  8. NCSueSeptember 2, 2019 at 3:27 PM

    Great post, nice photos accompanying.
    Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2019/09/a-strange-sight.html

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  9. Aditya Narayan MohantySeptember 2, 2019 at 11:47 PM

    Thanks for sharing . Plz check my post .

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  10. little orange dogSeptember 3, 2019 at 2:50 AM

    Beautiful photos and so sensitively written. Thank you so much for sharing, it's so important to remember those who sacrificed their lives for us..

    #globalblogging

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  11. stevebethereSeptember 3, 2019 at 2:55 AM

    What a nice post and photos and so heartwarming :-)

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  12. Carol @Comfort Spring StationSeptember 3, 2019 at 4:11 AM

    A touching post

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  13. Meditations in MotionSeptember 3, 2019 at 4:17 AM

    There was a ceremony going on when we visited the Arc du Triomphe last year, so I missed the tomb of the unknown soldier. What a shame! Now I guess I will just have to go back! The song is the perfect accompaniment to the post.

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  14. TomSeptember 3, 2019 at 6:02 AM

    ...visiting Tombs of the Unknown Soldier are such moving experiences. I still remember visiting ours in Washington DC. Thanks Veronica Lee for sharing.

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  15. jeremy@thirstydaddySeptember 3, 2019 at 6:51 AM

    I've been to the one here in the States. Really makes you stop and consider the sacrifice that so many have made #anythinggoes

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  16. Paula AlittlepieceofmeSeptember 3, 2019 at 12:34 PM

    Such an interesting stoy. I like your blog. Would you like to follow each other via GFC? Let me know :)

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  17. Joanne September 3, 2019 at 2:03 PM

    I found that to be such a moving experience when I visited France. I loved all the fresh flowers around too.

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  18. betty-NZSeptember 3, 2019 at 10:12 PM

    That's a wonderful tribute to those who sacrificed for others.

    I'm happy to see your link on 'My Corner of the World' this week! Thanks for linking up!


    My Corner of the World

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  19. SandeeSeptember 4, 2019 at 8:19 AM

    We should all honor our fallen. They gave their all for their country.

    Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. ♥

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  20. NanaHoodSeptember 4, 2019 at 9:04 AM

    I went to the one in Washington and was deeply moved! Thanks for sharing! Teresa from NanaHood

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  21. pilch92September 4, 2019 at 3:53 PM

    That quote is so accurate.

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  22. XmasDollySeptember 4, 2019 at 4:34 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful photos so we all can experience what you have. The song breaks my heart, and her haunting voice just gives me chills. It's so beautiful. The story is awesome. Thank you so very much. I'm outta words now.. sorry! Thank you from the bottom of my broken heart.

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  23. Sylvia | Grace for a GypsySeptember 5, 2019 at 10:38 AM

    Ive been to the tomb in the US and its humbling. Thank you for sharing the pictures of the one in France. A beautiful tribute. Thanks for linking up with us at the https://kippiathome.com/2019/09/02/decor-display-riser/

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  24. Sylvia Graceforagypsy.comSeptember 5, 2019 at 10:39 AM

    I forgot to tell you, I am sharing this beautiful post.

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  25. Shiju SugunanSeptember 5, 2019 at 9:22 PM

    So very touching!

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  26. Dee | GrammysGrid.comSeptember 6, 2019 at 3:41 AM

    I had no idea that was there when we went by the Arc. Traffic was crazy in the roundabout. Thanks so much for linking up at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 44. Shared.

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  27. Alice VSeptember 6, 2019 at 4:16 AM

    I never knew the French had a tomb like this too. I'll have to add that to my "to-do" list when I do go to France...one day. Thanks for linking up with us at #OMGHWW

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  28. Antionette BlakeSeptember 7, 2019 at 7:58 PM

    Thank you for sharing this at the #TrafficJamWeekend Linky Party

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  29. loopyloulauraSeptember 8, 2019 at 2:03 PM

    I never knew they has this in France. The tomb in the UK is very famous and I love the respect for all of the war dead, many of whom could not be identified but all gave their lives to protect their countries. Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging

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