A Surprise Gift

I received this book in the mail earlier in the week. It was a surprise gift from my friend, Marie. As you can see, it's a bit tattered as well it should be....it was published in 1947! Printed in France, it's written in English and on the inside cover Marie's maiden name is written in pencil. I assume, then, that it's a book she's had since childhood. As I carefully open its thin, fragile pages, I'm struck first by the introduction which describes the Allied liberation of France. It's painful to read about those dark days, but the last two paragraphs are very touching.

"This book has been written to portray the liberation of France....to give our Allies essential information about the country they liberated. May this book, dedicated to those who played a part in making our country free, remind our Allies of those terrible--and glorious--days. May it be accepted as a token of gratitude and appreciation for the decisive part they have played in the history of France."

It's signed "COFBA Franco-Allied Goodwill Commitee."

The first 25 pages are, indeed, about the liberation of France. Then comes another introductory page...

"You have seen France in the joy of liberation, you have seen her in the midst of war, you have seen the results of her suffering from four years of enemy occupation and pillage: but you have not seen the real France. The following pages will give you an idea of what France was before the war, and what she will be once more, when you come back on a visit."

I've heard so many people complain that France never appreciated what the Allies did for her. I think this little book proves that those people are dead wrong. I'm proud to share it with you.