On the first Sunday of December, six English Euro class high school seniors took part in a commemorating day-trip in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon to pay tribute to the American soldier whose grave had been adopted by the Lycée Margueritte in 2016, John B. Watson.

The visit started with a tour of the museum informing dedicated to the American offensive which took place in the Argonne, in the North West of Verdun from September 26th to November 11th, 1918 as well as the history of the cemetery itself.

The students then went on a tour of the cemetery with a guide. She took them to pay tribute to John B. Watson. The teenagers were asked to read a poem to honor the fallen soldier before placing a wreath on his grave.

Another soldier’s grave was honored with some white roses by the high school American assistant, Dora, who is from Indiana like the soldier.

The students were very proud to take part in the Flag Ceremony at the end of the day. The guide introduced them to the formal art of folding the US flag. This ceremony was preceded by three cannon shots, the ringing of the bells for the dead, and one minute of silence.

The visit was a very enriching experience for everybody, the 6 students who had volunteered and who were accompanied by their parents, Dora, the language assistant, and the members of staff present.

The 6 students who could make it that day thus became the pioneers of an annual day-trip to Romagne-sous-Montfaucon and its surroundings for the European Class in terminale starting next year.

The students understood how important it was to learn and honor, especially for the younger generations and the ones to come. It’s necessary to remember the soldiers who fought on the Meuse-Argonne territory, and elsewhere, for the freedom of France.

Many thanks to the American Battle Monuments Commission in Romagne, to Marie Caron, our guide, to Mr. Velain and Mr. Falcoz, headteachers at Jean Auguste Margueritte High School and to our English teachers.

Margaux, Marianne, Victoire, Hippolyte, Lucie, Juliette

“I personally think this trip is essential if we want to continue commemorate the American soldier’s devotion”

Marianne

“It was a very interesting and moving event and we had the opportunity to learn more about the American soldiers’ history”

Margaux