The memorial shows a woman (the Mother Country) holding by the shoulder a French soldier grasping the hand of an American soldier (recognizable by his hat) in thanks. The soldiers’ guns were replaced in 1973 after being broken during the Occupation by young Nazi supporters. The plaque bearing the dedication is not the original; it replaced the inscription engraved in the stone of the memorial. Created by sculptor, Constant Roux (1865-1929), it was erected to "consecrate the close Franco-American friendship established in Chaumont". Haute-Marne and all its towns and villages contributed to the building fund. The Municipal Council built the monument on August 26, 1918, and it was inaugurated it on June 23, 1923.

Source of photos: Fabrice Loubette / www.aerosteles.net, tourisme-chaumont-champagne.com

A l'AMITIE et à l'Aide AMERICAINES

LA FRANCE RECONNAISSANTE

Hommage du dépatement de la Haute-Marne

et de la Ville de CHAUMONT

English translation:

To the AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP and AID

FRANCE IS GRATEFUL

Tribute from the department of Haute-Marne

and the City of CHAUMONT