Fresno in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Via Liberation
Voie de la Liberte 1944
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
1. Via Liberation Marker
a l'Amerique
This monument from General Patton's Route of Liberation is a gift of the people [of] Cannes, France to the people of California, sent via La Train de la Reconnaisance Francaise (Merci Train) and dedicated Armistice Day, November 11, 1949 to everlasting world peace.
Erected 1949 by La Societe 40 Hommes et 8 Cheveaux, Voiture 31, American Legion.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Railroads & Streetcars • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Time Capsules series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1979.
Location. 36° 44.236′ N, 119° 47.383′ W. Marker is in Fresno, California, in Fresno County. Marker is on Fresno Street near L Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the north grounds of the county courthouse square, near the Sheriff's Department. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fresno CA 93721, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fresno (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lao Hmong American War Memorial (about 400 feet away); Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (about 500 feet away); Fresno County Courthouse
this page online
Regarding Via Liberation. The monument commemorates the liberation of Europe by Allied Forces in World War II. It is a replica of markers placed every kilometer along the 888-mile “Road to Liberty” the Allies followed in fighting that began on the beaches of Normandy in France and led to Bastogne in Belgium. A time capsule was stored within the monument at its dedication on Armistice Day in 1949 by the 40 & 8 veterans organization and it was opened as instructed “Nov. 11, 2000 A.D. by the oldest surviving member of the 40/8”. [From Historical Fresno Courthouse Park Walking Tour]
Also see . . .
1. Historical Fresno County Courthouse Park Walking Tour. (Submitted on March 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Merci Train. (Submitted on March 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
2. Via Liberation Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
3. Via Liberation Marker
Fresno Street in background
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
4. Voie de la Liberte 1944 monument
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
5. Via Liberation Marker Detail
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
6. Via Liberation Marker Detail
Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,167 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on March 19, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
