Friday, July 13, 2012

To all unknown soldiers


As a Parisian I very very rarely go to the center of La place de l'Etoile, where the Arch of Triomphe is located. ExceptionnaLly today I went there... The place is full of tourists, needless to say, but it's still worth a look and it's also moving to see the tomb of the "unknown soldier" from WWI. Who is really in the grave? The story is told that, after the war, a Private named Auguste Thin was asked to choose one of 8 unidentified soldiers. The "selected" one was transfered to the Arch of Triumph on November 11, 1920. Now every day at 6:30 PM, they revive the flame that burns next to the tomb. As you can see, the light was really amazing when I took this shot.

24 comments:

  1. There are many reasons why tourist spots are popular, and a tourist like me can always find elements that perhaps are not so well known. Une photo parfaite.

    May he rest in peace. Bastille Day is coming, so this is very appropriate. (I suppose it's possible that you were thinking about that...)

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  2. Breathtaking. Another photo parfaite, as Jeff called it above. What a wonderful monument to have as a headstone, huh?

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  3. Another beautiful shot indeed. And a very moving spot in Paris. I was lucky enough to visit it on Armistice Day 2008 and it swelled my heart.

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  4. When we were there a ceremony was taking place. It seemed to be a big deal, with soldiers and music. Could that have been the daily ceremony? That's impressive.

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  5. Eh Eric .......... your syntax is a little misplaced in this particular posting! What's happening man?

    Dermo

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  6. Love the photo! I leave for Paris in just over a month - so I am soaking in all these great photos as I plan the final details of the trip. The Arch of Triomphe is a must do item on the list. Thanks!

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  7. Your shot is amazing, capturing the light and perfect for this occasion.

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  8. How about you correct the heading. Sodiers is incorrect and lacks respect. The word you need is soldiers

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  9. That spot always seemed to hold a very special place in the hearts of Parisiens.... Living there as an ex-pat took me past and thru that area all the time and it's especially challenging to drive/navigate around the Arc, but an ever enduring landmark of note.

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  10. @Bernard. Sorry, I did not mean to be disrespectful, of course. All corrected now. I must need a vacation...

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  11. @Dermo - and everyone - sorry for the zillion mistakes I made in this post (including in the title!). That's what happens when it's late, you're tired and can't wait to go to bed LOL!
    I think now it's more understandable... ;-)

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  12. Perfect match of "seeing" and lighting to communicate a special place.
    Much better that taking a photo of the actual hulk of the arch.
    Wish the sloppy dressed tourists were not cluttering up the image and distracting from the content of the image.
    Stef, in steamy Chicago

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  13. That's okay, that's okay Eric. Too much of the old 'Vin Rouge' has the same effect on me!

    Dermo

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  14. Apologies for labouring the point Eric, but you may want to revisit your spelling of 'exceptionally'. If nothing else at least now we know that you really are human! LOL


    Demro ..... Eh sorry meant Dermo!

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  15. Lovely, what beautiful light. And what a beautiful place and thought.

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  16. Give us/him a break, you perfectionists!

    I don't post very often but just want to say that I check your photos daily and find them captivating. Thank you for your photos and commentaries, it keeps Paris alive for those of us who wish we were there.

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  17. Yure Inglish is eggsepshunally gude Eric. Mutch bettur thanne myne.

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  18. Love the dedication Eric and I never knew the story of Auguste Thin.

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  19. You guys are really hard on Eric today. What's up? Frankly, if I could write so well in French I'd be very proud.

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  20. Je parl frankay un putti pu, may je ne le ekrive pah.

    Eric's English is better than that of a lot of native English speakers I can introduce you to.

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  21. All joking aside, your English is excellent Eric. I just wish my French was half as good - and as for my Chinese...........

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  22. I'll take your daily postings in Pig Latin written backwards, just keep 'em coming!

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  23. Don't worry, I'm not offended at all. Actually I prefer that you tell me when something is wrong than to let me go with it. This time I really went over the top with my mispellings, my missing words and so on...

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