We pulled up to the Chateau-Thierry American Monument in our Opel station wagon,
just as it started to rain.
The kids shot out of the car,
And ran up the monument's steps.
This is where in May 1918 the Germans pushed through the front lines,
creating a bulge (salient in military speak),
which threatened to rupture into all of France and England.
310,000 American troops rushed to the front lines,
including Grandpa Sam and his G.P.F. Cannon.
Americans suffered 67,000 casualties,
Fighting side by side with the French.
Since 1930, this monument bears witness to hard-won victory,
providing a place for reflection,
And the occasional game of hide and seek.
No words, a post perfectly befitting Memorial Day.
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