High School Student's Art Honors Service Members Killed in WWII

After a school visit to Rhone American Cemetery, Matéo Cadiergues had been given homework—produce a poem, letter or piece of artwork that explains the price of freedom. As a 16-year-old high school student, Cadiergues produced two paintings that are now on display in the chapel at the cemetery. These pieces represent the emotions he experienced from hearing the soldier stories during his visit. Befitting an artist much older than 16, Cadiergues’ pieces capture the horror and the humanity of war. In both paintings, the face of the soldier serves as a focal point, drawing the viewer into the thoughts and feelings of the young GI there on the canvas.  Cadiergues believes his art can serve as a way to honor the sacrifices of the men buried in the cemetery. “They were once young like me,” said Cadiergues. “I do not want them forgotten.”