When I'm on holiday in France, it's always fascinating to see the markers of the 'Voie de la Liberte'. These large concrete markers are situated on the exact route of Patton's 3rd Army and there is one for every kilometre from Ste. Mere Eglise in Normandy to Bastogne in the Ardennes : 1,446 km in all.

The idea was instigated at the end of the war by Colonel Guy de la Vasselais, head of the French Military Mission to the 3rd Army, and the markers were erected during 1947. Each marker features an image of the flame of the Statue of Liberty and commemorates the sacrifices made by the US military, and 3rd Army in particular, to liberate Europe from Nazism.

This is a rare copy of the original guidebook, published that year.....





Yesterday morning, driving along the N51 from Epernay to Reims ( the capital of 'Champagne country', liberated by the 3rd Army on 30th August 1944 ) the markers made an impressive display and I stopped the car to take a photo of one, with the City of Reims visible in the distance.I could easily imagine Patton's tanks rolling down that road....




US/French political relations may have fluctuated over the years, but it's good to see that the 'Patton markers' are kept in good repair and, since 1986, a bi-annual commemorative bicycle ride follows the entire route.

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

It is good to see that they still maintain them.

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Best Regards,
JW

Excellent posting Martin. Thanks. cheers.

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American by birth, TEXAN by the grace of GOD!

Great pictures as usual Martin ! I wish Texas roads were as uncluttered as the French one you show. Here they would have bill boards, road signs, construction markers, and lots and lots of traffic.

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Work Harder ! Millions on welfare are depending on you.