The 83rd ID Association, our board, and most importantly, our Veterans have unanimously voted to spearhead a fundraising campaign to erect a memorial in Meautis, France, honoring our soldier’s first major battle of WW2 on July 4th, 1944. Here is an overview of the “who, what, where, when & why” and of course the ‘how much’.
Who?
All of us! The association cannot financially fund the memorial without risking financial exposure, so the board voted to organize and lead a fundraising drive to pay for the memorial. The association just recently spearheaded a similar project erecting a memorial/plaque in 2020-21 at the US Army Museum so were confident working together we can raise the funds. As Rosie the Riveter said, “We can do it!” Please join me in thanking our international team of 83rd members, including Jean Paul Pitou, Glyn Nightingale, Larry Scheerer, and George Studor, who are spearheading this project from inception to completion.
What?
A hand-carved granite plaque (approx. 2ft x 2ft) erected on a metal display stand including a QR code to provide greater detail about the battle and the 83rd ID. We have similar 83rd plaques/monuments in Remilly-sur-lozon, Auxais, and Hotot, France all hand carved by the same stone mason in the UK.
Where?
Meautis, France battle site. It’s a rural location between fields and swamps outside the village. Due to recent infrastructure changes, an opportunity finally presented itself after many decades to erect a memorial in a safe place to park and view the battle site. For those who have visited, it’s a beautiful yet haunting place, and you can see why and how the topography provided the entrenched Germans an almost impregnable defensive position against our brave but green Thunderbolts.
When?
NOW! Of course, like any project you may have worked on, this one has a lot of moving parts and we needed to start the process now to hopefully have it completed and erected by the 80th anniversary this summer. So, we have already commissioned the stone mason to acquire the stone (yes, there are global “supply chain” issues even with granite) while our 83rd team is working hard on the design.
Our goal is to have the memorial and stand completed by late spring, then work with local officials to prep the site and erect it just in time for 80th anniversary 83rd events in Normandy the 1st week of June. Jean Paul is working with the mayor and local officials to conduct a christening ceremony that week (details will be announced) and all 83rd family members and friends will be invited. Please see the article about 83rd events celebrating the 80th anniversary in Normandy and Brittany.
Why?
The importance of erecting a memorial at Meautis cannot be overstated for every 83rd family member. July 4, 1944, was the 1st battle launched by the 83rd resulting in over 450 soldiers killed with many wounded marking one of the deadliest battles of the entire war for the division. On day 1 the already inexperienced 83rd was now devastated by the loss of life and wounded as they started their month-long march through “hedgerow hell” fighting yard to yard, field to field, village to village until operation Cobra.
From being around our members and Veterans, it’s been a long-awaited goal for decades to have a memorial at this important 83rd battle site, and finally on the eve of 80th anniversary, the stars aligned, and a door opened and our fellow 83rd family and friends seized the opportunity to make it happen. Now, let’s help them finish the job by raising the money $.
How much?
3000$
This is an estimated, approximate cost without any delays or cost increases. Because of the working relationship of one of our members with the stone mason and our members working experience with metal, we are getting this hand-carved custom plaque way below other bids in the UK and France. So how much $ should we donate? Simply, give what you can with a cheerful heart!
No amount is too small or large and ALL donations will be appreciated, and all donations will remain anonymous. I am moved and touched by your generosity to our Veterans, so my hope is that “All give some” in honor of your 83rd Veteran so we and future generations can visit the 83rd Meautis memorial. One other important note, time is of the essence. We need to have all the $ raised by the stone’s completion in the next couple months so please consider your donation and give now versus later.
We will report monthly our status, and if we are short, we will come report back for next steps. I would like to provide the 1st fundraising report in approximately a month by the end of Jan hopefully telling you we have raised the entire $3000. Click the button below to donate!