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RALPH HOLSINGERCOMPARES FRENCHAND OHIO SCENERY(Editor's Note:—This is another 111 the series of articles written by Ralph Holfiinger with the Allied Forces in the Mediterranean and U used by special permission.) Another country must be added to my list. It is now France and my first impression is that I will like it best of all the lands I have seen since the Jersey Highland faded from view.This section of southern Fjrance is much like the Gallia, Pike, Vinton county section of Ohio. It has the same rolling hills, wild in spots, opening Into tillable valleys in others. The hard woods of those hills are here replaced by pines. The soil has the same red dish cast. I have already bathed in a clear cool stream that is somewhat like tlje Racoon above Vin- {' ton.So much for the comparisons., There are significant differences. The little wooden hill family cabins are missing. Here their place is taken by small gray stone, thatched-roof houses. Hie little towns are very old, pressing tightly down on streets too narrow for modern war traffic. But what does this war mean to a village that was old when our nation was bom?A Great Experience Most of the people I have seen appear to be of the same hardworking, honest, dependable type foik that are the back bone of our country also. So far no one has asked me for my rations or for chewing gum, cigarettes or candy. They seem to welcome us,- not for the material things we bring but for the far more precious liberation from the Germans. It’s a great experience to have.No longer do I believe stories of the French underground as a myth. 11151 It is obvious that the Germans as I have never thought so. Some • of the stories I have heard, seme of the tilings I have seen since lauding would fit as well into a novel as they do into real life. They are the kind of stories and sights tiiat make one glad he is on our side in this war and not on the German Hate is a powerful force and one that is multiplied tremen-dously by' repression. IThese are my first impressions j of France. They are bound to I change as I see more of the land and the people. My feeling, as I start my tour is a good one. I hope it need never change.bledalot-of
Newspaper Details
Piqua Daily Call
Piqua, Ohio, US
Sat, Sep 09, 1944
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Richard E.
OH, USA 28 Jun 2023
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