A few years ago, the remains of Harry's plane were found in a field north of Paris. They were taken in and restored by local residents, who used serial numbers to link plane and pilot via RCAF archives.
The town of Sacy-le-Grand, France, thereafter decided to name a street in Harry's honour. Mother's cousin Ian and his wife, Audrey, went with other members of the MacKenzie family to France for naming of MacKenzie Street.
After Remembrance Day this year, Ian forwarded me an e-mail he and Audrey received from one of the men who had found the airplane parts.
In France, they take World War II heroes very seriously, as we can see here: This year's e-mail included these colour photos of a Remembrance Day ceremony in Sacy-le-Grand, a place now very much a part of "our world" to the MacKenzie clan.
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This photo (right) of Harry can be seen in the picture above, in the weather-protected display with his plane's engine and part of the propellor, cleaned, polished and painted by the people of a grateful nation.
Posted for Our World Tuesday
16 comments:
Wonderful post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River.
The French are so often portrayed quite opposite of the way you've stated the facts here. It is nice to see the positive.
A hero in the family. So dramatic and so touching. The MacKenzies can be so proud that Henry is bestowed with honor and a final resting place. Thanks for sharing Kay!
Hank
What a wonderful and uplifting story! A great tribute to a brave young man who gave his life for others. Thanks for sharing.
Kay, what a remarkable story! What a handsome young man. Amazing to have parts of his plane discovered so recently. And lovely that a tribute to honor him has been made there. Wonderful story!
This is such a beautiful post, Kay. I love it that the French are so appreciative of the sacrifice he made. Your family has every reason to be proud.
What a wonderful tribute to one of the many unsung heroes of WW2
Great piece of history! A very impressive story. Thank you Kay! It should be told every year,lest we forget.
Have a great week together with your husband.
That's wonderful story Kay. So young.
Wonderful post for remembrance day.
So moving, so lovely -- so young. But it is really wonderful that the French do this. Thanks so very much for sharing these photos and remembrance. k.
Well deserved homage
You know, hubby found a tomb stone overseas for his uncle. Just amazing, this history.
Such a lovely thing to do. I have been to some of the WWII graves and sites in Normandy (two years ago) and was very impressed by it all. And it's true: they do honour the people that came and liberated them!
That's a great post ! Unfortunately you have to die first to get some honors ! But at least it's a comfort for the whole family !
Great story, Kay! It is cool to have a Hero in the family and received honors for his bravery.
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