[Danimal16]

Just kinda throwin in my two cents. The French have been keen on us for awhile in this war. Their intell guys along with these troopers that were recently lost have been essential to all of the freedom loving folks on the planet. They DO DESERVE our respect.

I used to feel the same way about the French. But one very short trip to Europe changed my preception completly. As a youngster I studied WWII and during the mid-60's my opinion formed from my observation of de-Gualle (pardon my spelling). I remember the aire of arrogance that he displayed and I did not like it.

So, fast forward to July 2001. I went to Europe for my first visit (I have been a pac side sailor for all this time). Went to London, Cambridge lots of visiting of WWII sites. Well I happened to pick up a book called "Finest Hour" and went on to pick up a few more. I had the opportunity to speak to the English, and of course the French came up as the English would provide me their insights on my visit to Paris.

To make a long story short, I came away with a completely different feeling about de Gaul and loved Paris. I would go back in a heart beat. Did I meet some knucklehead Frenchmen, sure, but they were few and far between. I understand the hurt that came from WWII between the French Vichey and the other allied forces but that is long ago, and the Free French, well they were something. I guess the best illustration would be what an English Cab Driver stated, "Oh so you have never been to Paris?", Me, "Never. Are the stories true about the Parisians?". He, "Well, you'll find out, afterall they are French!". He said he loved it and there is no doubt, so did I.