“A dangerous militant.” That’s how police described Marcel Lamour. Today, we stand on Rue Marcel Lamour. This street in Gennevilliers honors a man of courage and conviction.
Marcel Lamour was born in 1902. He became a metalworker and a dedicated communist activist. In 1934, he was elected as a municipal councillor. But his activism drew unwanted attention.
In 1938, Lamour lost his job for participating in a strike. Stripped of his mandate in 1940, he faced constant police scrutiny. He was even described as a “dangerous militant” in a police report.
Undeterred, Marcel Lamour joined the Resistance during World War II. He organized communist actions and distributed propaganda. In 1942, he was arrested for urging workers to resist the forced labor program.
The authorities interrogated him. He was then handed over to the German forces. Marcel Lamour endured imprisonment in several camps. He was finally deported to Sachsenhausen.
Liberation came in April 1945. Lamour returned to his council seat and continued his political work. He served as deputy director in the Ministry of Labor. He also held a position in the CGT metalworkers’ federation.
Marcel Lamour remained dedicated to Gennevilliers. He served multiple terms as a municipal councillor. His life was marked by sacrifice. He was a war invalid and lost a leg.
Marcel Lamour died in 1970. In 1973, Gennevilliers renamed this street in his honor. Rue Marcel Lamour stands as a testament to his bravery and commitment. It reminds us of his fight for justice and freedom. As you walk this street remember Marcel Lamour’s unwavering spirit. His story echoes through these streets.