PREAMBLE

THIS SITE IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO THOSE SPECIAL MEN OF THE 29th DIVISION WHO GAVE THEIR YOUTH, THEIR FUTURE, THEIR EVERYTHING SO YOU AND US COULD LIVE IN FREEDOM.

We, the members of the "29^th Division French Historical Association" are proud to introduce our reenactment group. We are not professional soldiers, or even Americans. Our unique passion is to keep alive the history of the 29^th U.S Infantry Division. We are particularly eager to remain as close as possible to our heroes, and to achieve anything demonstrating our ultimate respect to the memories of those who fell on our soil. We do respect the esprit de corps that was bringing them together and driving them forward. Our ambition is also to honor the Veterans to whom we dedicate our utmost respectful admiration, wishing to bring them our efficient help whenever they happen to visit France.

The 29^th DIVISION FRENCH HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION is a non profit organization, under the 1901 Act, open to anyone, without any political militancy, that wishes to associate any efforts carried out on national territory, to keep alive and promote the memory of the WW II 29^th Infantry Division.

Part of our members has set-up a reenactment group, donning the 1944 G.Is uniforms for drills which were specific to American Forces at the time.

Our senior members took a very active part indeed, in the official commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of D-Day alongside the veterans of the 29^th Division. They were honored to salute them on the beach of Omaha, and be with them during so many ceremonies on these "  Jubilee Days ", Grandcamp, Saint-Lô, Vire, parading up the "Champs-Elysées" to the "Arc de Triomphe", and "Place de l’Etoile".

The group also participates in " Living History " sessions that lead our " boys " in the field genuine situations and actions carried out by the soldiers of the 29^th Division, during WW II, either in France or in Great-Britain.

In France, there is no official Act setting the rules of the reenactment groups. It is the common law which is enforced about wearing the uniforms of the army which came over to free most part of our country, or about the drill and carrying of weapons (class 8) we use during our exercises.

We have strong links with a sister-unit in Great-Britain, "  The 29^th Historical Association ",based in Kent, with which we take part in " Living History " sessions and whose drill sergeant is without any doubt, among the best experts in "reenactment".

Our main body is located on a Paris Normandy axis, but there is nothing against other young people joining us, if they share the same " passion " with us. They could, then, take advantage of our experience. So, " platoons ", garrisoned in different towns in France, but members of our group, could live their own private "  reenactment adventure ", and meet with other " sister-units " for one or several important operations : D-Day Anniversaries, Memorial Day, reenactment of battle fought by the 29^th Division, and joint maneuvers on a historical spot in Normandy, or anywhere else once it has been agreed upon.

Joining the reenactment group, purely and simply implies acceptation of the rules.

"Non-reenactors" members are welcome, either parents, friends or simply sympathizers, with no distinction of sex or age. They would be kept posted about our development and programs through our newsletter "The Blue and Gray News" and on the "Web", of course ! Their dues will help maintain the equipments and vehicles of our young ones. A very welcome and valuable help,too, for the transport of the boys and logistics needed for meetings and sessions.

Of course, we proudly maintain our contacts with a good many veterans of the "Blue and Gray" whom we met during the June 1994 ceremonies, in particular.

Meet you very soon on the "Web" for more !