The primary goal of Association Normandy 44 - 90th US Division
is to set up in Périers a Monument
dedicated to the American soldiers of the 90th Division

Added to that are two extra projects,
that will amplify the magnitude of the overall plan :

• Creation of a Permanent Display Center, Memorial Center of the 90th Division, that could gather records, documents and genuine pieces of equipment collected up to now.
• Redaction by Henri Levaufre, both in French and in English language, of a book describing the dayly life and fights of the 90th US Division in our region, in 1944.

• To discover the progress of our plans as compared to the initial goals, visit the pages How far are we ?

A Monument • Initial Design

Above : The Vietnam War Veterans Memorial in Washington which inspired us while planning our Monument.

The Monument, made of bronze reinforced synthetic resin, will represent in true realism three (or four) American soldiers in life size.

We denied a "Rambo" look for the soldiers. We have no will to show war nor to give the young people of Périers a picture of violence. This Monument ought to express suffering and give rise to deference and contemplation. In the same way, provided the assent of their relatives, faces of the statues will be moulded after the ones of soldiers who actually took part in action, and died in Périers or its area. It would also be significant to us that among them figures a medic.

Above : Monument study model, realized by © P. Cottencin - May 99

Its achievement is entrusted to the french artist Patrick COTTENCIN who appears to be the one owing all the required qualities to create an imposing masterpiece, in the mind of what we are looking for. With a full involvement in our reflection, he brought us his professional skill and artistic feeling.

The sculptor will partly work on the spot, in Périers, in a loft loaned by the town, and widely opened to general public and media . Visitors, while having the opportunity of following-up the advance of the work, will so be aware of the project, and will too feel like experiencing the miscellaneous steps.

Inside of the Tollemer loft, temporary exhibits may also be arranged, showing documents concerning the project, or more widely about the 90th US Division.

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The 90th US Division Memorial • Permanent Exhibit Center
The Memorial, consisting in the Permanent Exhibit Center and the Monument, will be, submitted to approval from town councillors and support from higher authorities, located close to the old railway station within an area therefore fully restored.

In its mind and its design, the Périers Memorial (Permanent Exhibit Center and Monument) will differ from what has been already done.

• Look at the location on our City Map of Périers, and on the Memorial detailed Map.

How far are we ?
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The Book
Henri Levaufre is writing a book about the daily life of men of the 90th Division, in 1944, in Périers area.
The book will be published both in French and English.

To achieve his task, Henri Levaufre will be assisted by Mrs. Diane Debailleux-Cottencin, graduate in classics, bringing in her literary skill and knowledge of publishing field.

How far are we ?
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The Subscription
A subscription will be raised to finance the Monument.
It will call for contribution from any person and organization, whether public or private, willing to support our project.

Let us mention this highly symbolic gesture :
Lt-Colonel Edward Hamilton,
90th Division Veteran
is the very first subscriber for the Monument.

The subscription forms, enclosed in the Information Brochure, will be distributed in France and in the United States. But wherever you reside, your donation will be welcome.

Read the subscription form
Download the subscription form in English (Acrobat PDF 24 Ko)
Download the subscription form in French (Acrobat PDF 26 Ko)
How far are we ?
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The Memory Walk • 127 Trees for 127 Killed
The Monument and the Memorial will be part of a park, where 127 trees will be planted in memory of the 127 civilians of Périers killed under both bombings and fights of June and July 1944.

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