Trip to La Legion at Viator

After a smooth and uneventful drive on the motorway, we arrived at the “barracks” of La Legion at Viator and the adjacent restaurant.

Time for coffee and chat, a chance to stretch our legs before being split into two groups – A and B. Andy (translator, English teacher and “honorary” legionnaire) explained the set up.

Group A went to learn about the monuments around the camp, whilst Group B went to the Museum to learn about the beginnings and continuation of La Legion, and then the groups swapped over.

Each group had a La Legion Sergeant who explained, with great pride and honour, the history of La Legion.

The final monument is situated at the edge of the “parade” ground, and is a very impressive and emotional tribute to those who have lost their lives in service.

Andy explained that La Legion have a policy that if soldiers want to progress, they must learn English and asked if anyone would be willing to “host” a legionnaire for 5 days to practice what they have learned. If you are willing to do so please let us know and we will pass your details on to Andy.

We also learned that our driver was setting off next day to the Ukraine with supplies, so on the way home we collected over €120 to help with expenses for him and his co-drivers.

Then we were taken back to the restaurant for lunch, with a final toast while raising a glass of Panther’s Milk.

“Are we all here?
Yes we are.
As Legionnaires we do our duty!
Women we love them, but first of all we drink
[then we raised our glasses high]
How long its been since we last drank water”