It is part of the negative aspect that it is our duty to fight by emphasizing the other side.
The Poilus who fought at Verdun and elsewhere, and all those who suffered with them, deserve better than that. I am trying to combat this and your letter helps me to do it, although you know very well that it is difficult to distinguish between stupidity and ill will. I know that certain people are spreading insidious rumours. On the contrary, the work currently taking place at Fort Douaumont, which is financed by the State, is intended to ensure the conservation of this prestigious witness to our history. THE FORTS OF VAUX AND DOUAUMONT ARE NOT FOR SALE. I have received your letter of 19 November and am pleased to reply immediately. It presented with permission to translate and publish the letter from M. Here is the official position on the Verdun Forts with her English translation of the French text inserted. The relentless pursuit of the truth by Christina and her network has finally yielded a response from officialdom.
#VERDUN BEFORE AND AFTER FULL#
Just click on the thumbnail to see the full sized before and after images: Here are five examples of what Christina is describing. There is no information at the Fort to say who is responsible, who is in charge, what the plans are or how long the work will be going on. How sad that the authorities can just do such things to a historical monument with no discussion of what is being done or even why it is necessary to alter the structure.
I'm sure you can imagine what I think about all this. What is undeniable because of the "Before and After" photos Christina has provided here, is that the revisions seem to range from inauthentic to cheesy in appearance and in a number of cases appear unnecessary. It has been very hard, however, to determine what the official program or policy might be. Old Fort Douaumont has been a focal point for this construction. Sites Described Here are Near Markers 8 and 9Ĭhristina Holstein of Luxembourg has been observing and documenting restoration work at Verdun for over a year. Questionable Historic Restoration at Verdunīefore & After Photos from Christina Holstein