A vibrant and heartfelt celebration...
The 80th anniversary of Le Mans' liberation was a vibrant and heartfelt multi-day celebration that took place in August, 2024. The city came alive with events that paid tribute to its World War II history and liberation, blending nostalgia with education. There were historical exhibits, vintage military vehicles, and a swing ball that took everyone back to the 40s. The whole week was filled with concerts, film screenings, and reenactments that brought the past to life. As a disabled veteran of the U.S. military, witnessing such jingoistic displays of American patriotism abroad was strange and jarring. It stirred conflicted emotions—a complex blend of pride for the sacrifices made in the past and shame tied to my own experiences and present-day foreign policy. These feelings belonged to different eras but collided within me, leaving me grappling with their impact.
