70 years

Today, Paris fell.

Well, 70 years ago today. But think of it…

The Germans marched into the city. Can you imagine what that would be like? You are sitting there, having a cup of coffee in your kitchen, reading a book and you look up to see armed men in jeeps coming down the street. Sure, you had heard the fighting was close and people were nervous but here they are, in the flesh, in your hometown. Some people cheered, other cried, many fled.

German tanks rumbled past the Arc de Triumph. Shops are closed, preparing for the worst. Some windows are boarded up along the streets. Some attempted to continue to fight but yesterday an agreement was reached between Petain and the Germans to cease hostilities. Petain thought he was saving his people from more violence but he will be later tried for treason due to his ‘cavorting’ with the enemy. (Although sentenced to death, De Gaulle commuted his sentence to life in prison, which is where the WW1 hero would die.) Others who ‘cavorted’ with the Germans had to pay the price in the end too. Girls who had Nazi ‘boyfriends’ had their heads shaved and were paraded into the streets. Businesses who worked with the Germans had their windows broken and were looted. But this won’t happen for another 5 years or so.

By now, the Louvre has been closed, the art all packed up and shipped to different corners of the country, even the world, for safe keeping. “Winged Victory” pulled from the top of the staircase she presided over and sent away. The Mona Lisa was sent by ambulance to its new hiding place in the countryside. All that is left is empty frames leaning up against the bare walls.

In a few weeks the Battle of Britain begins. St. Paul’s Cathedral will be a hair’s breath away from burning down into a pile of rubble. Thousands of citizens will die by bombing/fire, traffic and household accidents from the blackout and the nations failing health from years of stress and rations.

America won’t enter the war for another year and a half.

Makes me thankful for my warm lunch sitting in front of me (ironically a bento of Japanese rice, pickles and chicken kabobs with green tea). Thankful for a good nights sleep. To live without the fear of my family being killed in a bombing during the night or living in an occupied nation. I don’t have to worry about my next meal. It’s also a reminder that life it too short.

It’s time to do something about that.