Alan Seeger was born in New York on the 22nd of June 1888. With a degree from Har vard, he was studying at the Sorbonne in 1914 when the First World War broke out. Being very much involved in French culture,he wrote and spoke fluently in the language. A good two years beforethe mass deployment of his fellow countrymen in 1917, he and several of his companions joined the “Régiment de Marche de la Légion Etrangère”.
Whether in letters or poems, Seeger told the story of this distressing time through his impressions and emotions all the way from the beginning of the war to his death on July 4th, 1916 in Belloy-en-Santerre. As a soldier, he never once wavered from remaining calm, his intense intellectual life or sense of determination, allowing him to carry out his duty to the very end. He saw his ultimatum as the culmination of a life well lived and an accomplished ideal. He was 28.
In the trenches of 1915 he wrote 2 important poems,“I Have a Rendez- Vous with Death” and “Champagne”.The latter is an joyful piece aimed athelping future generations to recall the sacrifices of those who died fortheir freedom.
The original version of this poem was acquired by ChampagneTaittinger through a couple of collectors passionate about the destiny and beautiful work of these American heroes; work which continues to symbolise the highest level of values that unite both the United States and France.
The name of Alan Seeger was the first of that mentioned before theAmerican Congress by the President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, during his recent state visit. In the square of the United States in Paris,you’ll also find a statue dedicated to the memory of the legendary writerand his companions.
Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, president of the eponymously named society, henceforth wishes for this exceptional document to be part of French and Champenois heritage.
Whether in letters or poems, Seeger told the story of this distressing time through his impressions and emotions all the way from the beginning of the war to his death on July 4th, 1916 in Belloy-en-Santerre. As a soldier, he never once wavered from remaining calm, his intense intellectual life or sense of determination, allowing him to carry out his duty to the very end. He saw his ultimatum as the culmination of a life well lived and an accomplished ideal. He was 28.
In the trenches of 1915 he wrote 2 important poems,“I Have a Rendez- Vous with Death” and “Champagne”.The latter is an joyful piece aimed athelping future generations to recall the sacrifices of those who died fortheir freedom.
The original version of this poem was acquired by ChampagneTaittinger through a couple of collectors passionate about the destiny and beautiful work of these American heroes; work which continues to symbolise the highest level of values that unite both the United States and France.
The name of Alan Seeger was the first of that mentioned before theAmerican Congress by the President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, during his recent state visit. In the square of the United States in Paris,you’ll also find a statue dedicated to the memory of the legendary writerand his companions.
Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, president of the eponymously named society, henceforth wishes for this exceptional document to be part of French and Champenois heritage.