click here for A special message from Pascal Moretti

 

 Metzervisse, France and Environs to Honor 90th Veterans With Celebration
 

http://www.moselleriver1944.org/

“Monsieur Pascal Moretti, who is the Chief of Police of the small town and surrounding area of Metzervisse, north-east of Metz, is involved in planning an interesting series of events to celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of their liberation by the 90^th Division, and part of the 95^th, in November, 2004.  He is keen to be able to welcome as many veterans as possible, including spouses and immediate family members, and his committee will be happy to provide adequate lodging and hospitality free of charge.

 

“They intend to dedicate a monument at the Hackenberg Fort in the Maginot Line in front of Block 8 and to organize an exhibition of uniforms, accoutrements, photographs and film of the period with the active participation of the local school children at the Kedange High School.  He will organize the clearing of pathways through the now badly overgrown Fort Koenigsmacker, and a tour through the area will be organized for the visitors starting at Basse-Ham on the river bank, tracing as far as possible the original routes taken by the various units.  To that end, he is keen to hear the memories of veterans who took part in the liberation of the area just after the crossings at Cattenom and Malling during the second and third weeks of November, 1944.  The area concerned includes the crossroads at Kerling where the first serious counter-attack was beaten off and the small town of Distroff, as well as the forts at Koenigsmacker, Illange, Metrich and Hackenbergt in the Maginot Line.  Mr. Moretti is also keen to discover the names of those KIA in the area and as far as is possible to locate the places where they died so that their names can be added to the village war memorials – a singular honor.  A major planning meeting was held January, 22, 2003, with officers being elected and an official name for the celebration:  ‘Moselle River 1944’.  Pascal Moretti was unanimously elected President.”

 

Ed. Note:  Mr. Moretti became interested in the 90^th when he was called to the scene of an accident and made the acquaintance of 2 veterans from the 90^th [Joseph Stobbe & Bill Naylor from Salt Lake City] who were hit by a speeding car.  It was through them he learned of the 90^th and the battles that took place in the crossing of the Moselle.  He became convinced that the people of his area needed to know about this heroism and honor the veterans who fought for their liberation.  This project, “Moselle River 1944” is the result of his vision to educate the people of Lorraine.  The high school students of the area will be contacting veterans and their families to get their stories for publication and commemoration at this November, 2004 celebration.  Former journalist, British author of the book, “The Unknown Battle” [written in the ;late 70s] and historian, Anthony Kemp, is the official liaison between “Moselle River 1944” Committee and the 90^th.  He took part in a tour led by Bill Falvey in 1979 acting as guide and lecturer for the 90^th veterans on the tour.  He is updating his book, to be titled “Another River to Cross” which will be published this spring.  He has lived in France for 10+ years and will be a quest speaker at our reunion in St. Louis.  We will publish information in each newsletter from now until the November, 2004 celebration.  This is a good time to think about planning to be a part of that occasion.  If you come to the St. Louis reunion, you will be able to talk with Anthony and purchase his book.”