French student thanks veterans

The Veterans Day Assembly last Friday at Whitefish High School reminded me that I am alive today because of all the men and women who gave their life for liberty.

First of all, I am Pierre Hilligot, a French exchange student with the chance to be here in America during this school year. Veterans Day gave me the occasion to explain the point of view of my country regarding World War II. I really think it's important not to forget the people who died for the French during the two world wars.

Today, all of France keeps in memory the horror of the fight. Many families, even mine, were touched by the desperation of somebody. My great grandmother died by giving birth to one of her children; there were not enough doctors during this period to adequately help people.

Many young children, women and men died by trying to defend our country, killed by the craziness of a man and his ideology. We do not forget and we will not.

Many innocent people died, killed by Hitler's forces, just because they had a different religion, political conviction, sexuality, or were of a different race. We do not forget and we will not.

Many strangers were killed by this same enemy, many young men who fought for liberty — the liberty to think and the liberty to live. Americans were part of this. In June 1944, our allies helped save us from the dictator. We do not forget and we will not.

Today, if we do not speak German it is because of you and your brothers who fell on our floor. Today, what I want to say is thank you. Thank you Americans, all of you. In the name of my nation, I thank you with my heart.

Like all of the French, I do not forget and, I promise, I will not.

Pierre Hilligot

Whitefish