German paratroopers invited to May 8 in Trévières

On May 8, 2012, after a religious service in Vierville-sur-Mer, veterans, flag bearers, elected officials and residents of Trévières and the surrounding area gathered in front of the monument to the dead. Representatives of the 6th company of the 262nd German paratrooper battalion, led by Captain Stefan Werner, were guests of honor. The children participated by laying flowers.

Stationed in Zweibrücken, the battalion was presented as a unit capable of intervening around the world to evacuate nationals of NATO countries from conflict zones. It also participated in the maneuvers and operations of the Alliance, especially in Afghanistan. The 6th company, a training unit with one hundred and fifty men and women according to the photograph’s caption, visited the beaches to better understand the conditions of the Landing.

The article recalled that in Germany, May 8 marked liberation from Nazism. The soldiers, committed to defending justice and freedom, came with veterans to honor the dead of the Second World War.

At the glass of friendship, Jean-Pierre Richard, mayor of Trévières, warmly welcomed them, also greeting the return of Monsignor Bernward Mezger, who knew the region well. He recalled the work of politicians in favor of Franco-German reconciliation and presented this friendly meeting as a message of hope and confidence for the younger generations, but also of vigilance for peace in the world. He finally greeted René Trocmé, the last veteran of 1939-1945 of the municipality, and thanked the schoolchildren.

Archive image: https://vierville.cordelle.eu/PhDoc12/2012-8mai-Bundeswehr-TrevieresG.jpg