November 11th celebrated under the Arc de Triomphe

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This Monday, November 11, 2024Montpellier celebrated the 106th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 in an unusual location: the Arc de Triomphe. Traditionally, this ceremony is held at the city's war memorial, where the names of the 1,741 Montpellier residents who died for France are inscribed.

This year, the choice of the Arc de Triomphe was welcomed by local authorities, such as Mayor Michaël Delafosse: “In agreement with the prefect, we wanted to hold this commemoration here, in this majestic place in our city. » François-Xavier Lauch also underlined the symbolism of this location, recalling that the Arc de Triomphe, although not directly linked to the Great War, is erected on a street dedicated to Marshal Foch, military figure of the French victory .

The symbol of youth and hope

The ceremony, marked by the deployment of the national colors under the Montpellier sky, also honored the younger generations. “This morning, among the standard bearers, youth is in the spotlight. It embodies hope for the future, a commitment to peace that we must cultivate,” declared Michaël Delafosse. For the councilor, the memory of the First World War is an essential component of Montpellier's identity. Although Montpellier was not a front-line location, the city played a major role as a rear and a place of training for many soldiers: “More than 110 years later, we keep the memory of the young men who sacrificed their lives for France. »

The speeches also recalled the fragility of peace. The prefect of Hérault also insisted on the vigilance necessary to maintain peace, a constant challenge in a world still marked by conflicts: “At a time when certain powers are calling into question the foundations of the international order, it is essential to defend the values ​​of peace and freedom. »

Tribute to sacrifices

The ceremony underlined the duty of gratitude towards those who gave their lives. The mayor of Montpellier recalled a poignant testimony from General de Castelnau, evoking the harsh conditions on the front: “Their life was walking under the burden, fighting day and night, dying in obscurity. » This tribute was accompanied by a message of hope: “The soldiers of France, even today, remain driven by the same desire to defend the honor of the homeland,” he insisted. The presence of patriotic associations, standard bearers and families also showed the continuity of this commitment in the collective memory of Montpellier.

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