Preparation of the Esplanade at Oradour
This year, by way of a (successful) attempt to overcome the problems caused by crowding in the cemetery when the tributes are laid, this part of the remembrance ceremony was moved to the esplanade in front of the crypt at Oradour-sur-Glane. The organisation of this event was in the hands of the French Army, one of whose soldiers can be seen pacing out the ground in order to determine the position of the Honour Guard and the Colour Party of the 126th Regiment. The figures in the background are civilians who were making other preparations such as for seating, the supply of bottled water, the erection of the gazebo from which the speeches were to be made etc. The main memorial (located in the cemetery) to all the victims can be seen just to the left of centre.
© Michael Williams: June 2014