"Megalith" vs. Memorial

     Today was the last move in Europe for many in our group, from Verdun to Paris.  Along the way we stopped at a strange monument, calling itself a "megalith," that caught my attention for the wrong reasons.  Commemorating the first victory of the Marne by the French, accompanying information tells us the following about this work, with original emphasis left in tact:

"The text on the right, signed by JOFFRE, is the text of his famous general orders on the day of 6th SEPTEMBER 1914. "when a battle is engaged on which the salvation of the country depends, it is important to remind everyone that the time for looking back has past.  A compagny that cannot advance must maintain the conquered ground at all costs and GET KILLED ON THE SPOT rather than fall back.  In the present circumstances, failure cannot be tolerate."

     The images of lightening and trumpets beneath a vision of "winged Victory" stretching thirty-three metres into the sky left me shocked.  This monument does not remember a war, but instead the gross bravado that sent thousands to their deaths.  I much preferred another monument seen today, which was accompanied by the inscription "Les Fantomes."

Michael Chambers