At the end of the First World War, Reims (Marne), two-thirds destroyed by German bombing, benefited from a tremendous outpouring of American solidarity. Built in 1925 thanks to a subscription launched by the American Committee for the Wounded French, the American Memorial Hospital (AMH), one hundred years later, remains a living symbol of this transatlantic brotherhood.
“The fund was created in 1920 and aimed to raise $6,000 per hospital bed,” explained Adrienne Scheich, a Chicago physician and president of the American Committee, who visited Sacres City on Monday, November 10 for the centennial of the founding. What is interesting is that part of the money collected at that time was invested, and this annuity still allows today to finance hospital projects. »
300,000 euros per year
Every year, almost 300,000 euros are allocated to initiatives that support innovation, research, training of Reims doctors in the United States and the welfare of young patients.
“As time goes by, these are large numbers, and they always serve projects that provide direct benefit to children,” said Olivier Krug, president of the Association of Friends of AMH, who took over the task from his father, grandfather and great-grandmother, Jeanne Krug, who started the project a century ago.
The seventeen members of the American Committee meet annually to decide on allocations. On the centenary, of course, in Reims a board of directors took office. Among them is Celestine Bohlen, former “New York Times” correspondent, a member of the committee for ten years.
“Very strong history and heritage”
“The history of this hospital is truly extraordinary,” said the American who lives in Paris. Donations came not only from wealthy families in Boston or New York, but also from the middle class in Ohio. »
The names of these contributors still appear on the hospital’s commemorative plaque. Each bed was actually sponsored by the family of an American soldier who died in France.
“Our mission is to immortalize memories and continue to be a symbol of Franco-American friendship,” emphasized Adrienne Scheich. Despite the recent upheaval in relations between the United States and France, this collaboration remains a beautiful symbol.
“There is a very strong history and heritage between the United States and Reims,” believes Celestine Bohlen. Those who created this hospital and those who continue to keep it alive embody big-hearted America. And this America still exists. »
