tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post4350415395124126348..comments2024-03-15T09:29:02.240-04:00Comments on Recollections of a Vagabonde: Tour de France 2014 honors 1914 Tour ridersVagabondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10774109692564954568noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-37279047408964313422014-08-21T20:59:56.981-04:002014-08-21T20:59:56.981-04:00Because of your post, I now know who won the Tour ...Because of your post, I now know who won the Tour de France.<br />I think because so many people have been touch by the 2 World Wars, we will never forget in Europe. Not so much here. It is not easy to find bluets growing in the wild in France. It must be susceptible to chemicals I guess. Have you ever seen the movie "A very long engagement"? It is an amazing movie with Audrey Tautou. If you haven't seen it yet, you should.Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06031276247743743680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-74433048156027870622014-08-19T12:58:36.864-04:002014-08-19T12:58:36.864-04:00A wonderful post, Vagabonde, and I learned a lot f...A wonderful post, Vagabonde, and I learned a lot from it. Having been in France without TV for two months I didn't know that the Tour had included these battlefield stages. What an appropriate way to mark the centenary. Thank you also for the background about the French choice of the bleuet to commemorate the fallen. The poppy, the cornflower - both are simple farmland flowers, but what a harvest that was.<br /><br />As always your old postcards illustrate your post perfectly.Perpetuahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01214396019726161983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-11146156267008265802014-08-14T14:07:57.864-04:002014-08-14T14:07:57.864-04:00Wow. You know I love your Tour posts no matter wha...Wow. You know I love your Tour posts no matter what you write but since I'm very interested in the World Wars, I find this particularly interesting. I don't know how I missed knowing that this was happening this year -- I must have missed the beginning when they said what they were doing on those stages. I am so intrigued by your vintage photos and all the background you include. The cornflower/poppy thing was something I didn't know, either.<br /><br />I don't know my family history back to this event and I wish I did. It was a tragic war (as all are, really) but the loss of life and total destruction so massive. I will refer back to this one again. Thanks!Jeaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482528482559445943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-44303255354031338272014-08-14T05:57:42.068-04:002014-08-14T05:57:42.068-04:00Especially most interesting to me to read about WW...Especially most interesting to me to read about WWI, differing significances of cornflower and poppy. My father and his older brother fought in WWI. They returned home to Ohio from Europe physically intact, but I think war takes a toll on those living through the experience as it did both of them sooner or later -- some have more difficulty coping than others.<br /><br />Unfortunately, there does seem to be a lack of appreciation for history by too many in our country. History has often not been taught in a very interesting manner as I recall my '50s high school American history class teacher. She was obsessed with our remembering dates unlike my later college professor whose stories brought the past to life with dates inclusive as part of a more significant context.joaredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09999395062839739698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-57764274976612960552014-08-12T09:21:09.885-04:002014-08-12T09:21:09.885-04:00J'avoue m'etre plus concentree sur le bleu...J'avoue m'etre plus concentree sur le bleuet que sur la petite reine.<br />Que chaque veteran soit reconnu, mort ou vivant, c'est l'important.Thérèsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14354559064351144704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-9813603591186632522014-08-11T13:56:52.883-04:002014-08-11T13:56:52.883-04:00It was a great TDF but sadly many accidents. It i...It was a great TDF but sadly many accidents. It is amazing to watch as we get to see so many parts of France that we have still not been to.<br /><br />I have just written a post about down memory lane, I hope that it will be a great history reminder for all. Have a good day. DianeDianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14782670749466305626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-90931489973872608582014-08-11T04:40:21.560-04:002014-08-11T04:40:21.560-04:00I didn't realise that the Tour de France had s...I didn't realise that the Tour de France had so much history.<br />It is a shame if the WW1 history is neglected in the USA. We can learn so much from history and it helps us not to go on making the same awful mistakes.<br />I also would enjoy seeing over views of the beautiful French countryside. I'll pay more attention next time:)<br />Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01529798893653033970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-88740565035358302082014-08-09T10:15:27.039-04:002014-08-09T10:15:27.039-04:00What an amazing post, Vagabonde! I am always impr...What an amazing post, Vagabonde! I am always impressed by your blogging skills.<br /><br />I linked to this post in <a href="http://rhymeswithplague.blogspot.com/2014/08/august-in-french-is-aout.html" rel="nofollow"> my own little tribute to France today</a>.rhymeswithplaguehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10870439618129001633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-22361640231213051352014-08-08T10:39:41.806-04:002014-08-08T10:39:41.806-04:00I faithfully watch and enjoy le Tour every summer ...I faithfully watch and enjoy le Tour every summer as much for the beautiful country as the race itself. I really enjoyed the historical perspective of this year's race. Having European parents helps my perspective as an American and forces me to agree with your assessment of the importance of an education in areas that are not perceived as immediately financially beneficial. In the long run it is all important. I am sorry for the loss of humanity.Jonohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18170214396483091419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-62995037492325854992014-08-07T22:07:10.749-04:002014-08-07T22:07:10.749-04:00Such an interesting combination of sport and histo...Such an interesting combination of sport and history. I wasn't aware of the symbolism of the bluet.Vicki Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08114677510459055768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-33168761030905223402014-08-07T08:22:38.281-04:002014-08-07T08:22:38.281-04:00We in Canada call November 11th Remembrance Day. A...We in Canada call November 11th Remembrance Day. And for a couple of weeks Veterans are out selling poppies for people to wear. Most people here still remember or are at least reminded of the First World War and of those that have happened afterwards.EG CameraGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12803759124643467711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-53235875215953447262014-08-07T04:10:22.225-04:002014-08-07T04:10:22.225-04:00A wonderful post. History ( without being doctore...A wonderful post. History ( without being doctored) is important for all of us to learn. As the saying goes, " those who don't learn from history are domed to repeat it".<br />Warm regardsElizabeth at Eiffel Tellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11054977148823539576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-77375758161929819462014-08-06T22:12:17.072-04:002014-08-06T22:12:17.072-04:00✿ ✿ Hello chère Vagabonde ! :o)
J'aime beauco...✿ ✿ Hello chère Vagabonde ! :o)<br /><br />J'aime beaucoup suivre le Tour de France (à la télévision) et je suis HEUREUSE de lire et de regarder ta jolie publication aujourd'hui !<br />C'est très intéressant !<br /><br />MERCI pour ce partage.<br /><br />Je t'embrasse fort chère Vagabonde !!! 。♡♡彡<br /><br />Passe un bon jeudi en Géorgie ツ !!!!<br /><br />≧^◡^≦Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-5701713469704304882014-08-06T22:11:53.584-04:002014-08-06T22:11:53.584-04:00That's quite a thought-provoking post. I remem...That's quite a thought-provoking post. I remember learning about the war in school in Holland.Alhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07826369816985788575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-47806251215222362802014-08-06T18:57:30.327-04:002014-08-06T18:57:30.327-04:00you sure have some history there for this very cre...you sure have some history there for this very creative post. I especially liked the collage that featured Champs/Arc and the jets flying over with the coloured plumes; how spectacular that would've been to watch. Those cyclists sure deserve big accolades, they work so hard for it. Carole M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13261384312136535762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-43978304714789325622014-08-06T05:18:58.410-04:002014-08-06T05:18:58.410-04:00You're completely right Vagabonde, history as ...You're completely right Vagabonde, history as a school subject must be learned by young people due to not be forgotten.<br />I've read with interest your post, I see you're fan of races!<br />But I enjoy to look at all the towns and villages in France as well. Thank you for sharing, dear! Nadezdahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08159291982383302922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-5874035070627662582014-08-05T14:55:33.633-04:002014-08-05T14:55:33.633-04:00Le bleuet de France, voilà une plante qui m était ...Le bleuet de France, voilà une plante qui m était complètement sortie de l esprit. Figures toi que étant gamin, l instituteur nous envoyait en vendre dans les maisons du village au profit des victimes de guerre. Celui qui en avait vendu le plus était mis à l honneur.<br />Amicalement Latil Ghislain Nicolashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15999034281025949306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-30521857393360000202014-08-05T10:36:44.918-04:002014-08-05T10:36:44.918-04:00Magnifique exposé et comme le dit Miss Yves superb...Magnifique exposé et comme le dit Miss Yves superbe documentation. On pensait qu'après la boucherie de 14-18, il n'y aurait plus de guerre, mais c'était sans compter sur la folie d'Hitler.<br />Ado, j'ai visité le fort de Douaumont ainsi que le cimetière militaire et plus récemment le Chemin des Dames.<br />Comme tu peux t'en douter je n'ai pas suivi le Tour de France mais suis quand même bien contente qu'il y ait 2 français sur le podium.<br />Bises<br />Bisesclaudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07356955828590617751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-81538702379097523462014-08-05T08:15:29.968-04:002014-08-05T08:15:29.968-04:00Superbe documentation, de la petite à la grande Hi...Superbe documentation, de la petite à la grande Histoire.Miss_Yveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11558587966129386283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-49574819144174909732014-08-05T06:09:54.149-04:002014-08-05T06:09:54.149-04:00Cornflower blue is such a stunning colour!
I wond...Cornflower blue is such a stunning colour!<br /><br />I wonder if we are only just beginning to see the Great War in context, 100 years on? Certainly here in the UK, consciousness is rising and it is all over the media. My sons were all taken to Belgium and Northern France to see the war graves by their school and it was certainly a formative experience for them.<br /><br />I saw the Tour de France a few years ago when it passed through Kent - we spent hours waiting and enjoying all the side shows in the village, but the Peleton was gone in a thrilling flash!Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01588437065757203375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-26011501448413350352014-08-05T05:07:37.629-04:002014-08-05T05:07:37.629-04:00I always learn so much from your posts, my dear. T...I always learn so much from your posts, my dear. This one was particularly poignant because it dealt with such loss and the deep remembrance of these terrible terrible losses, and the scars that exist still, 100 years later....<br />(I've missed a few posts---I just have not been feeling well, at all----sorry about that.)<br />I thank you for always teaching me something I didn't know, and presenting such wonderful illustrations of ALL these important things of History. OldLady Of The Hillshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02458879772193114892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-46545666666864503782014-08-05T04:55:22.425-04:002014-08-05T04:55:22.425-04:00An incredible post. You have managed to get a grea...An incredible post. You have managed to get a great amount of info here and keep it fascinating. It is good that the race honored this history.<br /><br />Such terrible sadness, that war. My grandfather fought there, though I was never able to ask anything about it. That time in history is so powerful to me. When I did the Rilke blog for a year, much of what I read was his response to WWI, and the sad years of Europe's fields overcome with it. More tragedy and impact on human culture than any of us realize, but you've done a good job showing here.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-85318784357508552732014-08-05T04:34:37.099-04:002014-08-05T04:34:37.099-04:00If i was still giving out prizes for Paris in July...If i was still giving out prizes for Paris in July - I'd nominate you... this post covers two important topics the War in France and the Tour de France. Your history researching and reporting skills are just splendid. I would love to see this post published somewhere. I too have been converted to the joy of watching the great race, so much so that I went to follow the tour in 2011 and actually ride some of the routes. I posted earlier this month on the fantastic televised coverage we get here in Australia on SBS. Of course, the tour started because of the economic impacts of war in France, and the hsitory you've covered here show just how embeded both the war and the race are in the hearts of the French. Fantastic Post! ThanksTamarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14635416571278107397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-39490162914639754092014-08-05T02:55:13.049-04:002014-08-05T02:55:13.049-04:00Hi Vagabonde - what an amazing post - listing lots...Hi Vagabonde - what an amazing post - listing lots of details about the Tour de France - this year following World War One battlefields and then the route in 1914, along with all the accompanying photos - brilliant collection.<br /><br />I enjoy watching some of the Tour races and as you say seeing the countryside as the cyclists pass through various stages.<br /><br />World War I - we had a lot of commemorative services yesterday - the day Britain declared war on Germany, when it had not withdrawn its threat.<br /><br />There was one in Glasgow after the end of the Commonwealth Games for the Commonwealth ... <br /><br />Lots of ceremonies or commemorative events around the country ... <br /><br />A new memorial in Folkestone - one of the embarkation points for the troops ...<br /><br />A very symbolic ceremony at St Symphorien Cemetery outside Mons, where nations came together in a small symbolic service - <br /><br />Finally a service in Westminster Abbey ... when the candles were one by one slowly extinguished until the last one was put out by the Grave of the Unknown Soldier at 11.00 pm exactly ... the country's lights had been out for an hour (civic buildings, churches et al and private house, who wished to remember) ... <br /><br />I've learnt a lot in this year from the talks, Services and Commemorative events that have been taking place ... <br /><br />You've really added to that knowledge - great post ..thanks so much for bringing it to us .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796960161183320830.post-23758909334496976152014-08-05T02:51:20.491-04:002014-08-05T02:51:20.491-04:00Vagabonde, thanks for this nice page of history an...Vagabonde, thanks for this nice page of history and tour event. I loved to watch the start of the tour in Yorkshire but it is summer and I am almost always outside. However, we had Sunday the remembrance ceremony at the cavalier Fonck statue which is 2 km apart from here, our king came and some 1000 people attended. Yesterday was the big ceremony in Liège and I followed a bit of that during lunchtime. But the highlight was last night's program on BBC2 in Westminster Abbey and we watched that until the end. It was so brilliant with all these read memories of people who have suffered so much, we were both very sad when we went to bed. In fact, I feel very embedded in this huge part of history, being born German, living in Belgium for 36 years, married to a British and now my son marrying a French girl... I feel more than very lucky that I was not born and experiencing these dark times then. bayouhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08803865167364775151noreply@blogger.com