Smoke and Fire
Anglo/Expat Ceremony Big Success
Richard Erickson's Paris Journal - Freelance Correspondent to the Paris Pages
All images copyright (c) 8 May 1995 Richard Erickson - used with permission
Meudon:- Monday, May 8, 1995 - A grand celebration event was put on by the
Royal British Legion in the Paris suburb of Meudon today.
The affair was under the patronage, and in the presence of His Excellency,
Sir Christopher Mallaby, Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of
France. Top honors were shared by Mrs Pamela Harriman,
Ambassador of the United States of America, also a republic.
Standard bearers carrying many of the flags of the allies on parade.
It was billed as an enjoyable evening of commemoration and reconciliation;
featuring serious religious thoughts, colourful parades, smoked food, warm
drink, and considerable entertainment.
The event took place on the grounds of the Standard Atheletic Club, located
in the Forest of Meudon, just southwest of Paris. The day had started soft,
but got brighter by the start of the open-air service at 6:45 pm. This
included a 'parade of standards' featuring the flags of many nations,
including Russia.(*)
The entertainment began after the parade. It included the British School of
Paris Orchestra and choirs, followed by the Washington, Pennslyvania, Steel
Band. However their scheduled program was cut short, as was that of the
local 'International Players', who performed a medley of popular war-era
songs.
The barbecue.
Meanwhile smoked food was being served for those who love barbecue and long
lines formed in front of the salad tent. The light wind that seemed to be
blowing mostly down spread the barbecue smell to those at the end of the
line, who were seen to absent themselves frequently to replenish their
beverages of which there were a great variety available - but alas, neither
tea - wot, no tea?! - nor coffee - a refreshing pick-me-up drink sometimes
preferred by colonials.
In spite of the many highlights of the evening, some events stood out. The
American Ambassador proved herself a good sport by calling out the winning
numbers of the lottery, that were handed to her by Her Majesty's
Ambassador's wife, Mrs Mallaby, out of slightly used champagne carton; which
was fitting as first prize was five bottles of that good fizzy stuff and
second prize was a trip to the United Kingdom. Or was it the other way
around? In any case, it appeared as if a good number of people had lost
their tickets while waiting in the salad line, and a good number of numbers
had to be called out - in English and in French by Mrs Harriman - before the
lucky winners could be found.
US Ambassador Harriman calls out winning lottary numbers assisted
by Her Majesty's Ambassador's wife, Mrs Mallaby.
By this time the sun had disappeared on its trip to the western hemisphere,
and the wind that was blowing downwards took on aspects of a draft from
an open refrigerator door.
Luckily at this point, it was time for the highlight of the evening: the
lighting of the 'beacon.' This event was timed to coincide with a similar
event in Hyde Park in London, where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was to
light this symbol of reconciliation. Actually the 'beacon' at the Standard
Atheletic Club resembled a huge pile of second-rate shipping pallets which
were conveniently made of dry wood. To this several additives such as
some straw that happened to be lying around, fire-starters and white gas were
added for luck.
Pyrotechnical experts lit well-prepared torches, and handed them to the two
adventurous ladies, Mrs Mallaby and Mrs Harriman, who without further ado,
set the towering heap on fire. It was 9:33 pm Paris time as the flames at
first hesitated, then set about their task with gusto.
As this was not enough, fireworks followed: which were in turn followed by
dancing to the energetic music of the 'Roaring Forties' Band, which played
popular favorites from the 1940's to '60's. The bar was still open to take
the chill off those who had not dared to get too close to either the
barbecues, the bombfire or the fireworks.
As there will only be one 50th anniversary of Victory in Europe
Day; it makes sense that those who participated made the most of it and will
probably remember it fondly - as the night before they got pneumonia.
Finally, thank you, Ambassadors, and good night.
Correspondent's Note:
Standard Atheletic Club is official - i.e.: has the Queen or somebody as patron.
As far as I know it existed before WWII; was used by Gestapo as
interrogation centre during war, and was re-commissioned by then princess
Elizabeth, in early fifties. It is a private club, but anybody can join. You
have to pass through a membership committee. If you seem acceptable, after
an interview, you are put on a waiting list. Wives are informed that they
have to help out serving tea on Sundays. Has a fair number of French
members as well.
Overall,
the club has a good setting inside the Forest of Meudon (Jospin grew up in
Meudon; I lived near club seven years)
Return to Paris Commenorates The End of The War
Updated 05/95
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