France/ Mortain-Thannhausen twinning committee reborn to celebrate 45 years of Franco-German friendship

Ready to celebrate 45 years of Franco-German friendship, the Mortain-Thannhausen twinning committee is reinventing itself with new projects for future generations. In La Manche, members of the twinning committee look back on warm exchanges.

After three years of reduced activity, the twinning committee between Mortain (Manche) and Thannhausen (Germany) has made a comeback thanks to the initiative of four former members determined to revive the bonds of friendship that have united the two towns for almost forty-five years.the initiative of four former members determined to revive the bonds of friendship that have united the two towns for almost forty-five years. This is an opportunity to look back at the history of this twinning.

A long and rewarding history

The twinning of Mortain and Thannhausen has been a long-term project. Almost forty-five years ago, the idea of linking these two towns was a daring gamble. As François Letondu, a long-standing member of the committee, recalls: "Launching a twinning arrangement is all very well, but making it last for forty years, with two generations born in the meantime, is more difficult. This twinning has enabled us to forge solid ties that have lasted for generations.

A message of hope for the future: "May this twinning continue with new generations so that our children, grandchildren, and those who will follow, can live in a social, democratic and peaceful Europe."

Warm memories

The testimonials show just how much the exchanges left their mark. Karen Guillo, for example, remembers her first trip to Thannhausen at the age of 10. " It was the discovery of another culture and another language, and that trip had a real impact on my life," she says, pointing out that the twinning has had a profound impact on her professional and personal life. Indeed, it was thanks to the association that she was able to improve her German skills and forge lasting friendships, notably with the Zimmermann family, who welcomed her on several occasions. " If I speak German today, it's largely thanks to this twinning," she adds. For Yannick Guillo, the twinning was also synonymous with vivid memories. "What will stay with me is the generosity of the people of Thannhausen, especially the Zimmermann family. The twinning committee's ambition is to renew exchanges and create new projects, whether in the educational, cultural or sporting spheres.

Source: www.ouest-france.fr/