“You can put a jerrycan outside. Yes, because it is a wooden box. That's why,” he explains, emphasizing the robustness of these vintage vehicles.
A commitment to memory
For 20 years, the collector has held ceremonies to honor the memory of American soldiers. His motivation is clear: “I would still like, during my lifetime, that we do not forget them too quickly. There are still so many things to do, there are still so many things to discover at the level of history, at the level of men, of all that this has generated in terms of human sacrifices, as sacrifice on all sides in order to be able to get out of the hell where we lived.”
The press as witness to History
Autumn 1944, the allied forces liberated the Moselle. These battles, widely reported by the media at the time, are today a treasure for local historians. Philippe Wilmouth and the members of his association created an exhibition based on press articles from the time.”This is interesting because it is only September 3, 1944 and it is already announced that the troops are formed“, comments Philippe Wilmouth, emphasizing the importance of this work of memory.
Understand so as not to forget
For the local historian, this work is essential to give meaning to the word “liberation” and to explain what the Mosellans experienced during four years of occupation. “They were deprived of their liberty. There was very, very severe repression in Moselle. There were still 7,000 people who were deported,” he recalls.
A lively 80th birthday
Dozens of enthusiasts like Philippe Wilmouth and Christophe Kieffer will bring the ceremonies of this 80th anniversary to life until the beginning of next year. Their objective:Do not forget and above all understand the meaning of these commemorations. It is important to remember what we have experienced to understand that today, we have been at peace with our German neighbors for 80 years. It's very symbolic.“
France
