The veterans of the 81st battalion gather in Vierville

Eighteen American veterans of the 81st Mortar Battalion and their families came to spend a few days in Europe. After a stop in England on the site of their camp before the Landing, they reached Vierville to remember June 1944.

Ten years earlier, they had participated in the installation of a commemorative plaque on the wall of the Vierville cemetery, on September 17, 1983. After a visit to the village, they attended a mass celebrated by the parish priest Tourquetil in a full church. A wreath was then deposited with the veterans, in the presence of Mayor Mr. Oxéant, who welcomed the delegation.

Mr. Frankel, representative of American visitors, recalled their attachment to Vierville, which they considered their piece of France, and the meaning of this plaque dedicated to freedom and honor. He mentioned the battles fought side by side by French and Americans, citing 1774, 1917 and 1944. He also paid tribute to Dr. Christopher Costello, first lieutenant of company D, decorated with the Silver Star for his bravery and died a few weeks earlier.

Pierre Chedal-Anglay provided the translation of American speeches. The guests shared a meal at the L'Omaha restaurant before gathering at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where several of their comrades were resting.

Reconstructed or uncertain passages:
- The year 1774 is the one printed in the account of Mr. Frankel's speech; it is preserved as a reference cited by the cut, without historical validation or supposed correction.

Archive image: https://vierville.cordelle.eu/Photos2008/1993-Stele81CMB-1993.jpg