The image we have of a standard bearer is often that of an elderly man. On this Monday, November 11, a day during which is commemorated the armistice which marks the end of the First World War (1914-1918), many of them participate in a ceremony organized in a town or village. But not all the standard bearers are old, some are very young. This is the case of Matthieu Klespert19 years old, in the first year of a computer science degree at the University of Orléans. Since a young age, he has been involved in the veterans association of Vitry-aux-Logesthe town that saw him grow up.
Jean-Pierre Jacquemart
“I had military family, I participated in ceremonies as a supporter, with my grandfather and my parents. Then one day I was asked to replace a former standard bearer who was suffering from back problems and I accepted.“That’s how Matthieu Klespert became a standard bearer at the age of 9. Ten years later, nothing has changed, he participates in around ten ceremonies per yearand each time, it’s the same emotions that run through him: “I am honored. I love participating as much as possible in the memory because it is a duty. When I was little, I saw images of what my ancestors and also those who defended our country had experienced. These images had an impact on me, so today, being able to carry the flag is still something.“
A duty to remember
At each ceremony, the young Loirétain is aware that its mission is important : “I put myself in my role. I try to be serious, to be in the mood of memory to respect it. I’m also very proud to wear the emblem in front of the military, in front of a crowd, it’s impressive.“
A role that he now wants to play to transmit : “It’s true that there are many young people who forget this duty to remember. So we encourage them to carry the flag. Not doing it for opportunities, but for them, for duty.“Matthieu Klespert’s commitment does not stop there, at the beginning of the year, he decided to join the army as a reservist.
Swiss
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