Ceremonies of November 11: return of commemorations to Macouria, a first in Rémire-Montjoly

“It is a duty of remembrance for all the soldiers and for the young people of the RSMA who discover a ceremony in Macouria for the first time”underlines non-commissioned officer François Melinard of the 2^th RSMA company.

This Monday, November 11, several ceremonies took place in Guyana in memory of the soldiers who died for France. On November 11, 1918, the signing of the Armistice ended the First World War between the Allies and Germany. The conflict lasted four years and left more than nine million dead and missing.

“It’s always an honor to attend this kind of ceremony,” says non-commissioned officer François Melinard who nevertheless deplores “the absence of veterans this morning in Macouria”.

In France, November 11 is now a public holiday dedicated to the memory of soldiers who died for the country. Since 2012, this date commemorates all men “died for France”, whether they are civilian or military and whether they died in conflicts of yesterday or today.

For Gary Paul, professor of History, this ceremony is even more important in the current context.

We are living in a period of great geopolitical upheaval with the war in Ukraine, on European soil, and the involvement of major world powers. We must remind young people of the sacrifices made during this great war of 14-18.

Gary Paul, history teacher

“Especially as Overseas largely contributed to the victories of the First and Second World Wars,” completes the History teacher.

In Macouria, this ceremony of November 11 had not taken place for fifteen years. His return is “a political will”, says Claude Lemky, 6^th deputy mayor responsible for education. “It’s important for future generations who need to remember our elders.”

At the same time, a November 11 ceremony was held for the first time in Remire-Montjoly. The city has just built its own war memorial. “It is important to have it to allow us to celebrate these ceremonies which must continue and raise awareness among young people,” defends Laurie Gourmelen, second deputy mayor of Rémire Montjoly.

For Alain Baronian, former soldier and elected official in the city, “in 14-18, men and women fought for their freedom and it is a freedom that we have today”.

I hope that this war of 14-18 serves as a lesson to the whole world, and that we cannot repeat this tragedy again with so many deaths.

Alain Baronian, former soldier

This November 11, ceremonies and tributes took place throughout France.