“Passant, va dire au monde qu’ils sont morts pour la Liberté.” These words are etched in stone behind the Veilleur de pierre War memorial. They encapsulate the sacrifice made here.
The Veilleur de pierre stands at the corner of Rue Gasparin and Place Bellecour. It honors the memory of those who died during the Second World War. Many people pass it without noticing its significance.
This Veilleur de pierre memorial marks the spot where five French Resistance fighters were executed. The execution was a reprisal by the Germans. It followed an attack on a cafe frequented by German officers. The cafe was called “Le Moulin à Vent.”
The five resistance fighters were Albert Chambonnet. There was Gilbert Dru. There was Léon Pfeffer. There was René Bernard. There was Francis Chirat. They were all held at Montluc prison. They could not have been responsible for the cafe attack.
The Veilleur de pierre was created by sculptor Georges Salendre and architect Louis Thomas. It was inaugurated on September 4, 1948. Salendre also created “Le Chant des Canuts” and “Le Printemps.”
The Veilleur de pierre represents a young man. He stands naked and strong. He holds a shield. The monument is attached to the building at the corner. Behind the statue, the wall lists names. They include the five executed resistance fighters. They include names of Nazi concentration camps. The phrase “Passant, va dire au monde qu’ils sont morts pour la Liberté” is also inscribed. Above the inscriptions are Phrygian caps and Lorraine crosses.
Georges Salendre said his work was inspired by Donatello. The name “Veilleur de pierre” means “Stone Watcher.” The figure watches over democratic and republican values.
On July 26, 1944, a bomb exploded at the “Moulin à Vent” cafe. The cafe was popular with German officers and Gestapo members. The Gestapo headquarters was nearby. The explosion caused only material damage. The Germans wanted to make an example of the city.
On July 27, the five resistance members were brought to Place Bellecour. They were publicly executed. Albert Chambonnet shouted “Vive de Gaulle, vive la France!” before his death. The bodies were left as a warning.
Lyon was liberated on September 3. The city decided to build a memorial. In 1947, Place Bellecour was chosen. The Veilleur de pierre stands as a reminder. It honors those who fought for freedom.
Every year on July 27, a ceremony is held at the Veilleur de pierre. It commemorates the executed patriots. The memorial has been vandalized. But the Veilleur de pierre remains a powerful symbol. It is a testament to the sacrifices made for liberty. The Veilleur de pierre continues to watch over Lyon.