From the Heart of Pennsylvania to the Soul of France: The Enduring Bond Between Meadville and Fismes
What if your small town had a sister across the ocean—linked not just by diplomacy, but by heroism, sacrifice, and a shared promise never to forget? Welcome to the incredible story of Meadville, Pennsylvania and its sister city, Fismes, France—a transatlantic bond forged in the fires of war and kept alive through generations of gratitude, generosity, and genuine friendship.
When you stroll through Diamond Park in Meadville and come across the “Promenade de Fismes,” you’re walking on more than just a path—you’re walking on history. This quiet walkway symbolizes a bond that stretches across the Atlantic, forged in the crucible of World War I and nurtured through decades of remembrance and friendship.
A Connection Born in War: The Strategic Battle of Fismes
The roots of this unique relationship go back over 100 years, to the Battle of Fismes and Fismette in August 1918 during World War I. This wasn’t just another engagement; it was considered one of the last stands of the Western Front. Fismes, located about 1.5 hours from Paris, was strategically vital. If the Allies hadn’t won this brutal, intense fight—which was won and lost five times before the Allies came out victorious—the next stop was the Germans taking over the capital.
Soldiers from Pennsylvania’s 28th Infantry Division, including brave men from Meadville’s own Company B (comprised mostly of Crawford County residents), fought valiantly to liberate the town of Fismes from German occupation. The battle was fierce, the losses were heavy, and the devastation was near-total—90% of the town was destroyed in just one month. But from the rubble, something enduring began to grow. For the people of Fismes, these American soldiers were not distant allies. They were men who risked everything for the liberation of their homes and streets, leaving behind a legacy of courage that the town would never forget.
(Fun fact: Long before the war, Fismes was also historically a vital stopping point for all French Kings traveling to be crowned at Reims.)
Meadville’s Gift of Rebuilding and a Lasting Link
The devastation of Fismes after the war called for more than remembrance—it demanded action. In the mid-1920s, Meadville and the state of Pennsylvania rallied together, raising $42,700 along with aid to help in the town’s recovery. This aid helped reconstruct a vital part of the town.
A significant part of those funds was dedicated to rebuilding the main bridge across the Vesle River. It was commissioned and erected in May of 1928, and is known today as the American Memorial Bridge (with its 100-year commemoration upcoming). More than just a piece of infrastructure, it stands as a permanent, tangible symbol of solidarity, linking two communities across time and distance.
The Enduring Legacy Across Generations
This isn’t just about history—it’s about humanity. The Meadville–Fismes connection reminds us that bonds forged in crisis can become bridges of peace, education, and cultural exchange.
The relationship lives on through continued generosity and remembrance. After World War I, Meadville veterans of the 28th Infantry Division formed the “Last Man’s Club” to honor fallen comrades. Even decades later, Meadville demonstrated its sustained commitment to its sister city. During the post-World War II aid and recovery efforts, three box cars of clothing and food were sent to Fismes, showcasing the long-lasting, deep-rooted connection between the two communities.
This shared history has been honored by new generations. In 2018, a delegation from Meadville and Crawford County traveled to Fismes for a centennial commemoration. They participated in ceremonies, unveiled a plaque, and honored the efforts of American soldiers, commemorating the end of the brutal fighting and the liberation of Fismes and Fismette.
In a time when global connection can feel distant, the relationship between Meadville and Fismes is a reminder that kindness, bravery, and shared history can cross oceans. What began in the destruction of 1918 has grown into a lasting example of resilience, gratitude, and friendship—one that still binds two cities, and two peoples, more than a century later.
Want to learn more – stay in touch with these facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/villedefismes, https://www.facebook.com/fismesmemorial18 , https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572894868073
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