A Special Message From Pascal Moretti

May 14 - From Elisabeth Gozzo, Chairwoman of the Association "THANKS GI"
                 & Pascal Moretti, President of the Association "MOSELLE RIVER 1944"

To our very dear friends: 

 As presidents of associations honoring the memory of American soldiers, we are approaching

you in an effort to dispel that which, in our eyes, is a gigantic misconception. 

As a direct result of the conflict over Iraq, our two presidents have had a serious falling out.  We refuse to become involved in something which, as far as we are concerned, is a purely political matter.

Those of us who represent associations devoted to remembrance, our feelings toward our liberators have not altered one iota.  We well know that it is to you we owe that most wonderful priceless gift -- our LIBERTY.

We have been saddened by reading in letters we have received, of your disquiet about expressions of anti-American feelings in France.  We want you to know that amounts to nothing.  The French people have no real animosity towards America or Americans and on the contrary, we love you.

Moselle River 1944 was created right at the beginning of this year to offer you in November, 1944, our homage for the great sacrifice you made for our freedom.  Our logo both symbolizes and characterizes this obligation. We have no wish to quarrel, would prefer to gloss over this political spat and demonstrate our close friendship to the whole world.

Our children need to know our history and understand that it was you from the farthest corners of the United States of America who came to free us from the oppression and barbarity on the Nazi regime.

Your coming was for our parents a ray of sunshine after a long night which lasted four years and they remember your arrival as if it were yesterday.  Some even remember the names of individual soldiers. 

We have nothing but respect for you and just want to tell you how much we love you. 

May God bless you.

Editor's note: Tony sent an e-mail saying the web site would be unveiled the evening of May 14 at a meeting, so take a look at it -  Click Here - (it's in French)

Both Tony Kemp and Pascal Moretti are seeking contact from any veterans who were involved in the Moselle crossing. 

Contact Tony at:  robinabois@wanadoo.fr -
mail address: Le Bourg - 16190 St-Laurent-de-Belzagot, France

Pascal can be reached at: mrtp@wanadoo.fr
mail address:  15 b, rue des Romains - 57 940 Metzervisse, France.  

THANK YOU, Elisabeth, Pascal, and Tony for all you are doing to remember the sacrifices made for freedom.  -  Additional messages and more information from Pascal & the committees will be posted as we get it.