Nicolas' Weekend

Dear Family and Friends,

This past weekend was special for Nicolas, who received his Arrow of Light award and graduated from Weblos to Scouting. The award was more meaningful considering Nicolas had to do almost all of the requirements as a "Lone Scout" without the help of a pack or encouragement of fellow scouts.

Le Mont Saint Michel

The ceremony was held as part of a Jamboree in Normady near the American Cemetary overlooking Omaha Beach. To get there, we all took the TGV train from Aix-en-Provence to Paris where we picked up a car and then drove north.

Activities on the TGV

Prior to joining the other scouts, we decided to take a short detour to visit Le Mont Saint Michel, an eleventh century abbey built on a small island in the tidal waters of the Atlantic near Brittany. Although the site is one of the most famous locations in France, as one guidebook we read commented "just look at it [to see why]!"

Eleventh Century Elevator

The kids particularly enjoyed learning about how provisions were brought into the abbey using a cart that ran on tracks and operated by men running on a guinea pig-like track.

Main Gate



Julie and Kids on Ramparts

 After touring the many levels of the abbey, we walked around the ramparts. Here as well as in other areas of the old village, there were spectacular views of the coast and the tidal areas.


Waiting for Helicopter Flyover

We cut our visit to Mont Saint Michel short so that we could participate in the first activity of the Normandy Jamboree, forming the words "Normady: Land of Liberty" on one of the D-day beaches during low tide. While waiting for the helicopter to arrive and take our pictures, we listened to stories about the invasion from some of the veterans who participated in the events.

Chatting with Free French Normandy Veterans

We were fortunate enough to be able to talk with some of the Free French troops that landed on the D-day beaches in 1944. In French, we were able to express our thanks for their brave service.

Arrow of Light Ceremony

That evening, Nicolas had his Arrow of Light ceremony together with many others troops that came from Germany and England. We were very grateful that Nicolas was able to receive a small reward for his perserverance in finishing his requirements. Next step, Eagle Scout!

Port En-Bessen

Nicolas and Joe camped while Julie, Elyse, and Nathaniel camped in their own way in a hotel in Port En-Bassen. However, before returning to their cold tent, Joe, Nicolas, and Elyse were able to watch fireworks that the locals had organized to welcome the arrival of the Boy Scouts.

Fireworks

 The kids really enjoyed staying up late, looking at the fishing boats, and eating Chis-Chis (churros).

D-day Commemoration Ceremony

 The following day, we attended a memorial service at the American Cemetary that was attended by American, Boy Scout, and French dignitaries. One of the Scout Leaders read a very moving poem of one of the locals who wrote about all of the people that had died trying to take "the little wood behind his house."

Laying a Tuplip on Grave of American Soldier

 At the concusion of the ceremony, Boy Scout Chief Executive Bob Mazzuca invited the boys and their families to come up and take a tulip to lay on a grave. After searching for some time, we found a soldier from New Mexico and Nicolas leaned the flower up against the gravestone.

Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca

Nicolas was also able to talk to Bob Mazzuca, who signed a special chief executive patch for Nicolas. Julie will have to find a way to put it on his unform so that the signature on the back can be seen as well.

Major General Jack Egginton

Perhaps the biggest thrill of the weekend, however, was the opportunity Nicolas had of speaking with Major General Jack Egginton, Director of Air and Space Operations for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. The General spent quite a bit of time talking with Nicolas and was interested in Nicolas' status as a Lone Scout. After this experience, Nicolas could hardly be persuaded to take off his uniform when we arrived at the train station to go home.

We are happy that Nicolas has finally moved on to being a Scout. Having mingled with many other Americans pursuing Scouting in Europe, we now feel like it may be possible for Nicolas to keep up with his friends back home.

Bonne Samaine,

Joe, Julie, Nicolas, Elyse, and Nathaniel