CFA fireys have received heartfelt support from French schoolchildren whose town has had ongoing love and respect for Victorians since 1918.
After the First World War school children from Victoria raised money to rebuild a French school at Villers-Bretonneux, Somme. The school was named Ecole Victoria to recognise this fundraising effort and because in 2018 ANZACs stopped the advance of the German army at the their town.
The residents promised to never forget Australia.
Schoolteacher Guillaume Fournet wanted to pass on a message from the French children to CFA fireys.
The letter says:
Dear Australian firemen
Thank you for saving Australia. Firemen and people, thank you so much. Dig deep. Hold on. Thanks for your fellowship. We are with you. We support you.
We have seen the reports of your work – it is impressive and we are saddened.
Even if the fires become huge, you will be able to do it. Do not be discouraged. Do not take too many risks so you will not die.
We are going to help you with our fundraising because you have helped us a lot during the First World War and because you helped us rebuild our school.
LEST WE FORGET!
