Based in Villiers-le-Sec, Chaumont US Memory opened its exhibition hall to the public on Saturday November 9. A second open day will take place this Sunday, November 10.
Saturday November 9, the Chaumont US Memory association opened its exhibition hall to the public, located next to the town hall of Villiers-le-Sec. “This event aims to introduce us to Villiers-le-Secois and more broadly to Haut-Marnais. This morning, we received visitors who came from the Montier-en-Der sector. This moment of conviviality also aims to thank the town hall which warmly welcomed us,” explains the president of Chaumont US Memory, Jacky Rusnov.
In waves, visitors came to discover the history that links the United States to Haute-Marne and more precisely Chaumont. It dates back to Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette and continues with General John Pershing and his large headquarters located in the city-prefecture during the First World War. From 1952 to 1967, American soldiers set foot on Chaumont Air Base, located in Semoutiers-Montsaon.
During this open day, visitors were able to observe authentic American officer's tuxedos passed down by General Clark's daughter, American uniforms from the First World War, pieces of airplanes, the honorary key to the “Pershing village” , rations and 45s from “Chaumont Air Base”. The highlight of the show is the plaque on the Statue of Liberty dedicated to Franco-American friendship dating from 1956. They were also able to leaf through the magazine of the American base at Semoutiers-Montsaon. A second open house is scheduled for this Sunday, November 10 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
