I'll be the first to admit it, I'm a little selfish when it comes to my Paris agenda. Jealously guarding my wish list as if it's the formula to world peace,
I sometimes have to pinch myself to look beyond the end of my own nose.
That said, I also realize the best way to keep coming back to my
beloved Paris is to keep my husband happy, satisfied and inspired.
There are only so many food markets and fashion museums
that he's willing to entertain.
Knowing most men love stuff related to military endeavor, I was
thrilled to find The Army Museum located in the same
complex as Napoleon's Tomb in the stunning Les Invalides.
We had already "done" the Napoleon thing but realized an excursion back to
this utterly perfect piece of Paris was in order -- especially if combined
with a museum sure to put a big smile on my guy's face.
What I didn't expect is that my little man-pleasing-mission
would also ensnare my own imagination.
Let's face it, though we loathe war, in large part it's the
patchwork of so much of our life story here on earth.
There's no escaping history's carnage and though we may try to
ignore the horrific consequences of battle, it's absolutely
fascinating to see the bloodstained artifacts of the struggle.
Long story short, he loved it, I loved it and suffice it to say,
we've visited the museum more than just once.
Mission accomplished!
I sometimes have to pinch myself to look beyond the end of my own nose.
That said, I also realize the best way to keep coming back to my
beloved Paris is to keep my husband happy, satisfied and inspired.
There are only so many food markets and fashion museums
that he's willing to entertain.
Knowing most men love stuff related to military endeavor, I was
thrilled to find The Army Museum located in the same
complex as Napoleon's Tomb in the stunning Les Invalides.
We had already "done" the Napoleon thing but realized an excursion back to
this utterly perfect piece of Paris was in order -- especially if combined
with a museum sure to put a big smile on my guy's face.
What I didn't expect is that my little man-pleasing-mission
would also ensnare my own imagination.
Let's face it, though we loathe war, in large part it's the
patchwork of so much of our life story here on earth.
There's no escaping history's carnage and though we may try to
ignore the horrific consequences of battle, it's absolutely
fascinating to see the bloodstained artifacts of the struggle.
Long story short, he loved it, I loved it and suffice it to say,
we've visited the museum more than just once.
Mission accomplished!
Les Invalides and its dome of gold towers above Napoleon's
spectacular tomb but that's not our focus on this journey.
As usual, when in Paris, we're spoiled for riches.
This monument manages to balance the magnificent with the touching.
King Louis XIV commissioned Hotel des Invalides
as a hospital for wounded and disabled soldiers.
He made certain his returning army had a sick bay, church and rest home,
rewarding their service by providing a safe shelter filled with comfort and solace.
Still housing returning veterans from a long list of french wars,
you're likely to see several aging vets and their caregivers
as you stroll through the inner courtyard.
If you're already holding a ticket to see Napoleon's Tomb,
you can also see this much lauded military museum.
Les Invalides' huge courtyard displays 60 bronze cannons,
some as old as the 15th century -- a good preview
of some of the riches held inside the museum.
All hands on deck!
Man battle stations!
spectacular tomb but that's not our focus on this journey.
As usual, when in Paris, we're spoiled for riches.
This monument manages to balance the magnificent with the touching.
King Louis XIV commissioned Hotel des Invalides
as a hospital for wounded and disabled soldiers.
He made certain his returning army had a sick bay, church and rest home,
rewarding their service by providing a safe shelter filled with comfort and solace.
Still housing returning veterans from a long list of french wars,
you're likely to see several aging vets and their caregivers
as you stroll through the inner courtyard.
If you're already holding a ticket to see Napoleon's Tomb,
you can also see this much lauded military museum.
Les Invalides' huge courtyard displays 60 bronze cannons,
some as old as the 15th century -- a good preview
of some of the riches held inside the museum.
All hands on deck!
Man battle stations!
"War does not determine who is right --- only who is left."
Bertrand Russell, British philosopher/historian
Once inside The Army Museum, you'll realize how lucky
you're able to "conquer" Paris with just a map and a compass.
As your eyes start to focus on intimidating numbers of weaponry and
brutal methods to inflict pain and death, you'll thank your lucky stars
that we live in relatively stable times.
Firearms, knives, swords and crossbows always make me nervous -- and yet
it's amazing to see the artful detail in many of these frightening weapons.
War as art is hard to wrap your arms around.
Yet when you see it up close in these accomplished exhibits, you'll soon admire
the craftsmanship and artisan eye it took to build some of this hardware.
But rest assured, you'll still be scared out of your boots.
Witness the evolution of war through paintings, letters, military models & uniforms, some dating back to as early as the 15th century through today.
Pick your passion.
From Europe to Asia to the Middle East, the vast galleries
carry one of the most comprehensive collections in the world.
If Napoleonic Wars interest you, there is much to celebrate
including The Little Corporal's life-sized stuffed horse.
Should you prefer the WWI or WWII eras, there are wings specifically
dedicated to these ghastly killing fields.
As well as everything in between.
Several exhibits lead you chronologically through the who-what-where-when
of not only the battles but the political situations that led up to the bloodletting. Maps, cartoons, paintings and videos help tell the story behind the story.
Tanks and technology are not the only means to war.
Propaganda and political cunning nearly equal the destruction
of chemical weapons and battleships.
"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind."
Mahatma Ghandi
Bertrand Russell, British philosopher/historian
Once inside The Army Museum, you'll realize how lucky
you're able to "conquer" Paris with just a map and a compass.
As your eyes start to focus on intimidating numbers of weaponry and
brutal methods to inflict pain and death, you'll thank your lucky stars
that we live in relatively stable times.
Firearms, knives, swords and crossbows always make me nervous -- and yet
it's amazing to see the artful detail in many of these frightening weapons.
War as art is hard to wrap your arms around.
Yet when you see it up close in these accomplished exhibits, you'll soon admire
the craftsmanship and artisan eye it took to build some of this hardware.
But rest assured, you'll still be scared out of your boots.
Witness the evolution of war through paintings, letters, military models & uniforms, some dating back to as early as the 15th century through today.
Pick your passion.
From Europe to Asia to the Middle East, the vast galleries
carry one of the most comprehensive collections in the world.
If Napoleonic Wars interest you, there is much to celebrate
including The Little Corporal's life-sized stuffed horse.
Should you prefer the WWI or WWII eras, there are wings specifically
dedicated to these ghastly killing fields.
As well as everything in between.
Several exhibits lead you chronologically through the who-what-where-when
of not only the battles but the political situations that led up to the bloodletting. Maps, cartoons, paintings and videos help tell the story behind the story.
Tanks and technology are not the only means to war.
Propaganda and political cunning nearly equal the destruction
of chemical weapons and battleships.
"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind."
Mahatma Ghandi
Whether you're more "Horatio Hornblower" "Lawrence of Arabia"
or "Saving Private Ryan", you're sure to find your oeuvre in this museum.
Not just for the male species, The Army Museum will thrill
most would-be Rosie-the-Riveters and Florence Nightingales.
With several hours worth of concentrated effort, you'll find a worthwhile payoff.
I walked away knowing so much more about our past.
War and history are a pair (unfortunately) and you're likely to leave securely
convinced that peace in our day is not just a nice pat saying.
Many of us absently speak of the futility of war.
A field of battle seems as senseless and worthless as anything.
But the sad truth is, war has shaped our planet immensely.
And it continues to shape our circumstance.
These frightening examples illuminate the stark reality and for
those of us who prefer to keep our heads buried deeply in the sand,
The Army Museum illuminates the careful balance between good and evil.
A museum as encompassing as this at the very least
enlightens us to some of the mysteries of man.
And for that, I am grateful.
War is not just a headline on the front page of your newspaper or tablet.
These stark exhibits bring home the reality of "when all hell breaks loose."
It brings me to my knees.
From the film "A Few Good Men":
"I want the truth!"
Lt. Kafee (Tom Cruise)
"You can't handle the truth!"
Col. Jessup (Jack Nicolson)
Neither can I.
or "Saving Private Ryan", you're sure to find your oeuvre in this museum.
Not just for the male species, The Army Museum will thrill
most would-be Rosie-the-Riveters and Florence Nightingales.
With several hours worth of concentrated effort, you'll find a worthwhile payoff.
I walked away knowing so much more about our past.
War and history are a pair (unfortunately) and you're likely to leave securely
convinced that peace in our day is not just a nice pat saying.
Many of us absently speak of the futility of war.
A field of battle seems as senseless and worthless as anything.
But the sad truth is, war has shaped our planet immensely.
And it continues to shape our circumstance.
These frightening examples illuminate the stark reality and for
those of us who prefer to keep our heads buried deeply in the sand,
The Army Museum illuminates the careful balance between good and evil.
A museum as encompassing as this at the very least
enlightens us to some of the mysteries of man.
And for that, I am grateful.
War is not just a headline on the front page of your newspaper or tablet.
These stark exhibits bring home the reality of "when all hell breaks loose."
It brings me to my knees.
From the film "A Few Good Men":
"I want the truth!"
Lt. Kafee (Tom Cruise)
"You can't handle the truth!"
Col. Jessup (Jack Nicolson)
Neither can I.
"Bring 'em Home"
lyrics by Pete Seeger and Jim Musselman
If you love this land of the free
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring them back from overseas
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
It will make the politicians sad, I know
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
They wanna tangle with their foe
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
They wanna test their grand theories
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
With the blood of you and me
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
We'll give no more brave young lives
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
For the gleam in someone's eyes
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
The men will cheer and the boys will shout
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
And we will all turn out
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
The church bells will ring with joy
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
To welcome our darling girls and boys
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
We will lift their voice in song
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
When Johnny comes marching home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring them back from the overseas
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
If you love this land of free
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring them back from the overseas
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Read more: Bruce Springsteen - Bring 'Em Home Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Remember those who gave all.
May they rest in peace.
lyrics by Pete Seeger and Jim Musselman
If you love this land of the free
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring them back from overseas
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
It will make the politicians sad, I know
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
They wanna tangle with their foe
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
They wanna test their grand theories
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
With the blood of you and me
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
We'll give no more brave young lives
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
For the gleam in someone's eyes
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
The men will cheer and the boys will shout
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
And we will all turn out
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
The church bells will ring with joy
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
To welcome our darling girls and boys
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
We will lift their voice in song
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
When Johnny comes marching home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring them back from the overseas
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
If you love this land of free
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring them back from the overseas
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Read more: Bruce Springsteen - Bring 'Em Home Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Remember those who gave all.
May they rest in peace.
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