French say 'merci' to local D-Day veterans

There were two sheets of white paper at each of the 120 guests’ spots.

Photo by TRISTAN SPINSKI, Daily News

George Kessel holds up a letter, which he wrote in a foxhole to his family while serving with the U.S. Army’s 26th Infantry Division in World War II, before accepting a certificate of appreciation from Philippe Vinogradoff, left, Consul General of France in Miami. As part of the 62nd anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Europe, Kessel was honored, along with 19 other local World War II veterans, at the Royal Wood Country Club on Tuesday afternoon.

On one sheet were the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” for the French residents in the room who didn’t know the words.

The second sheet had the words to “La Marseillaise,” the French national anthem, for the Americans in the room.

On Tuesday, more than 20 D-Day veterans were honored with “Thank You America” certificates from the French government for their efforts in liberating France 62 years ago, said Brigitte Smith, president of the French Community Association of Naples. Smith organized the event to thank area veterans.

Tuesday marked the Allied invasion of Europe in World War II.

“This is a nice story of friendship and of love,” Smith said during the ceremony at the Royal Wood Country Club House off Rattlesnake Hammock Road.

“There are few words that one can say but thank you to all you heroes.”

Philippe Vinogradoff, Consul General of France in Miami, and Jim Elson, president of Collier County Veterans Council, presented veterans with their certificates.

“It is not very often in the life of a diplomat where he gets to meet with history,” Vinogradoff said.

“How can the French forget the people who fought for our freedom? The French people cannot forget, and the simple way to (express ourselves) is to say thank you. Merci, merci, merci.”

Peter Thomas, 82, of Naples, was a replacement soldier in 1944. He hit the beaches on June 7, the day after D-Day, but the carnage was still visible, he said.

“It was one of those life-changing events,” Thomas said.

Men from all branches of the military were represented, and proudly declared what unit they were in before taking a picture with Elson and Vinogradoff.

Thomas was a private in the 1st Infantry Division, and was 18 years old on D-Day.

“We were all kids when it happened,” he said. “You can never get over it.”

Mario Grossi, who served in the 8th Infantry Division, whispered a thank you to Vinogradoff as he shook his hand.

“I want to thank the French government for this honor,” Grossi said softly.

Photo by TRISTAN SPINSKI, Daily News

The man with the sign at left caught the eye of letter-writer John Domenie, who is a friend of the U.S. Army veteran Zaven Harootunian of Naples, honored last week by Mimi Gregory of the Alliance Francaise of Bonita Springs and others.

Vinogradoff shook his hand and told Grossi he should be the one saying thank you.

“We take for granted the freedom and liberty here today,” Vinogradoff said during the luncheon. “Without you and your courage, we wouldn’t enjoy the freedom dear to us. You not only gave to Europe, my country, you (also) delivered us from the worst evil ever known. You gave the whole world our freedom.”

George Kessel, 81, of Naples, said he was honored to be recognized for his military experience.

“I don’t know what to say,” Kessel said. “I salute anyone who was there on D-Day.”

Kessel, private first class in the 26th Infantry division, did not participate in the initial invasion. He arrived in France in August 1944 and served under Gen. George S. Patton.

Naples Mayor Bill Barnett didn’t just thank the veterans for their service. He also thanked the veteran organizations for continuing to educate younger generations about World War II and D-Day.

“The lesson today is that our children certainly know what (you did for them),” he said. “It is our duty to never let them forget. It is one of history’s greatest moments, and if we (fail in educating them) we fail for all.”

Thomas said he has told his children and grandchildren the story of the invasion several times. Thomas said he even brought three of his grandchildren to Omaha Beach with him.

“I want them to know,” he said. “I feel we should tell the younger generation what we did.”

Next year, the French government will award the rank of Officer of Legion of Honor to D-Day veterans, Smith said.

“Veterans, our eternal gratitude is yours; now we have to prove ourselves worthy of what you have done for us,” Vinogradoff said. “Merci, merci, merci.”