The Jean Zay college and the Jean Zay association of yesterday and today, celebrated June 20, the 80th anniversary of his death.
As every year, the students of the Jean Zay college in Montluçon paid tribute to the former French politician assassinated by the French militia of the Vichy regime on June 20, 1944. Minister of National Education and Fine Arts under the Popular Front, Jean Zay, originally from Orléans in Loiret, was one of its emblematic figures.
On the front line of the fight against fascism, and targeted by an anti-Semitic campaign from the far right, he worked hard for the school. He is notably at the origin of the law of August 9, 1936 which extended compulsory education from 13 to 14 years. On February 21, 2014, François Hollande announced the transfer of Jean Zay’s ashes to the Pantheon. But also those of Pierre Brossolette, Geneviève de Gaulle-Anthonioz and Germaine Tillion. All considered great figures who evoke the spirit of resistance.
An hour of homage to Jean Zay
This year, for the 80th anniversary of Jean Zay’s death, the college’s educational team decided to change things a little. Throughout the school year, the 3rd grade students worked on a common thread linked to the Second World War. They notably discussed the story of Simone Veil.
Some students also had the opportunity to go to the Holocaust memorial in Paris, but also to the landing beaches in Normandy in November. Unlike other years, a more substantial tribute was paid to Jean Zay for the 80th anniversary of his death. “ Normally, students are reminded of who Jean Zay was and we observe a minute of silence. Here, a hundred students dedicated an hour of homage to him,” explains Eric Laval, principal of the college. The students notably read the book ‘Prison Writings’ by Jean Zay. They also read excerpts from speeches by Simone Veil. As well as interventions by Ginette Kolinka, one of the survivors of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp.
Possible arrival of Jean Zay’s daughter
Several classes also made portraits of the former MP for Loiret which were exhibited in the school courtyard.The idea was to pay tribute to Jean Zay and show our students the legacy he left. But also the values that connect us to him, particularly on secularism and the sense of honor. says Eric Laval.
Several members of the Jean Zay association, past and present, attended this commemoration. Since the creation of this association in 2007, volunteers have tried as much as possible to promote the secular ideal of Jean Zay. For several years, they organized various public conferences.
From now on, they participate in this commemoration which takes place every year at the Jean Zay college.“Every year, we bring flowers and the students honor the plaque and the memory of Jean Zay with two roses,” says Philippe Foltier, a volunteer with the association.For us, and for many French citizens, Jean Zay is a great man. It is therefore very important to pay tribute to him.”
Much in demand, Hélène Mouchard-Zay, writer and youngest daughter of Jean Zay, was unable to come this year. But she has already suggested to the principal of the college that she come next year.
“We will try to make this possible. Our students will be able to see that we still have a direct link with Jean Zay,” explains Eric Laval. If Hélène Mouchard-Zay’s arrival were to materialize, there is no doubt that the college will give even greater significance to this event.
