We were there one month later. The crowds had left, but the flags were still there, and so too was the French gratitude for the American and other Allied forces who liberated France that eventful year. In two separate instances, the lady behind the counter came around and gave us each a big hug when she realized we were from the US.

While the German blitzkrieg overwhelmed France in a very short time, to the embarassment of the French , many brave citizens joined the underground and fought the Nazi invaders against tremendous odds, and at great risk of their lives.

Many died for their efforts, and the visitor could see many sidewalk and wall markers decorated with flowers, honoring those brave French people. While we'd been to Paris before, we were quite touched by the tributes we saw as we walked around this beautiful city.