I just realized that all of our reunion guests might not know that Jean Michel Soldi is coming from the south of France with his beloved Liz and his son Andre.

Jean Michel, along with Eric Renoux (and I could be misspelling all these names) run the Musee de la Liberation in the village of Le Muy. Le Muy has the largest and best celebrations in the south of France, according to re enactors I've spoken with during our visits there. Jean Mi and Eric have the full support of the mayor, M. Hubert Zekri, and they work together to organize the annual celebrations. The museum is a wonderful tribute to the American and British forces who helped liberate Provence. The museum is their passion, not a money-maker. They have full-time day jobs in addition to the museum. It opened about 13 years ago, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the invasion.

Many of you have made donations of artifacts and photographs, and they are on proud display there in the museum. Each item is accompanied by a card stating the donor's name and outfit.

Here is a link to the Museum page:

http://www.lemuy-tourisme.com/uk/historic/musee.htm

The English translated version cuts off mid-sentence for me, and it's only that one page, but at least everyone can see it.

We urge you to make the acquaintance of Jean Michel, Liz, and young Adrian (on his first US visit!) during the reunion. They are most definitely like family and wonderful, solid friends of the 517. You may not know them yet, but they are indeed the custodians of your history in Provence. The 517 could not ask for better.

Have a safe journey to Washington!

Claire Giblin

The website also has information about the museum Friendlies -Ben

Anne Eckert Valliere

"Lucky" Heirs,

Thank you so very much for those very kind words - we only do it to honor him and only hope that he can make it next Saturday - stranger things have happened. He wants to be there - it may help him get better.

My Uncle has taken to wearing his PURPLE HEART MEDAL when he was going to meet his friends at the club. I believe this is the happiest he has been. Damn I hope he makes it.

Again, thanks for your special kind words.

See next Saturday,

Anne Eckert Valliere

Peter Jansson

Dear Mr. Barrett: I read this late last night and sent this fine gentleman a nice note of thanks. Today is Sat. 23rd 7:45 a.m. I will try to contact my dad's doctor to see if there is any possibility. One issue is that he is getting an R.N. to administer certain medicines 3 times a day. The other is he has developed a nagging throat cough--they took xrays yesterday to see if the possibility of pneumonia may be rearing its ugly head again. Other than that, Dad is doing impressively. He gets around pretty good with a walker, and even tries not to use it despite doctors and nurses warnings. His appetite is excellent, although we must remind him to take small bites, chew thoroughly and carefully. He is supposed to use thickeners in his liquids, but also balks at that. ("This milk tastes like shit--get me a normal glass of milk please" is a fairly normal refrain at his dinner table) I will try to get the proper word from his doctors re: the reunion. I do know he mentioned it to me again on Thursday when I went to see him. I will try to get back a.s.a.p.--I know how late in the game this is--Dad has really made unbelievable milestones in such a short period of time. As always, sir, thank you for your most welcome help and support to us, virtual strangers. Pass my thanks on to Trooper Walsh also. With much affection and appreciation. Pete.p

Trooper Walsh

>>Hi Ben...

It's nice to hear from you. I received a call from Peter this morning (nice fellow) and we are brainstorming some way of getting Pete and his Dad out here for the Reunion...which might also mean I will attend at least parts of it.

Pete is trying to get hold of his Dad's doctors to see if they will sign off with an OK for travel (?), and he is also looking into having a nurse travel with them, as might be needed.

Trooper Walsh

Bob Dalrymple

Dear friends and fellow troopers , I want you to know that you are invited to Ann's party on 1 July at her home in Alexandria . I talked to Ann last night and she hoped some of our 517ers and 460ers would come. I know Merle McMorrow will be there .They plan to talk to me by phone sometime in the afternoon. Please call Ann if you n

can make it .Bob

Theresa Pugh

I am Ann (and Charles Pugh’s) daughter, Theresa. I am on my way out of town. If you need to reach my mom please call her at 703 998 7573

Our address is 2313 North Tracy Street Alexandria VA 22311 Or approximately 3 miles from hotel where reunion is located.

The original e mail note that I sent provided my home telephone no and it was wrong. The correct home no is 703 931 1945

I will not see this e mail until the day of the party as I will be away for business travel.

Theresa

From: Bob Dalrymple [mailto:bob596@laposadagv.net]