High above, the eagle of Nice keeps watch. This is the Monument aux Morts de Nice. It stands as a solemn tribute to the city’s sons. They died for France. We stand at the foot of this impressive memorial. It is a place of remembrance and reflection. The Monument aux Morts is not just a stone structure. It embodies the spirit of Nice. It reflects the city’s history and its people’s sacrifices.
After World War I, Nice sought to honor its fallen. The city wanted to remember the 3,665 soldiers who perished. Mayor François Goiran initiated the project in 1919. He entrusted the task to architect Roger Séassal. Séassal designed a monumental work. It was pure and symbolic in style. Marshal Foch inaugurated it on January 28, 1928. He was a hero of the Great War.
The location was carefully chosen. It is set against an old quarry. It is away from traffic. Yet, it remains central. It is accessible to all residents and visitors. The quarry was once used to build the harbor quays. It also built the pier in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Monument aux Morts de Nice is 32 meters high. It is carved directly into the rock. The niche is framed by an arch. Look closely at the reliefs on either side. They symbolize war and peace. They also represent violence and appeasement. Alfred Janniot sculpted them. He also created the Sun Fountain on Place Masséna.
Between the reliefs, an inscription reads. “The City of Nice to its sons who died for France. Remember the works that your fathers accomplished in their time and you will receive an immortal name and glory.” Above this is the eagle. It is the symbol of Nice.
Five steps lead to the niche. They represent the five years of World War I. An enormous urn stands in the center. The names of major campaigns are engraved on it. These include Somme, Marne, Verdun, and Artois. Below, the names of 4,000 Nice residents are inscribed. They died for France.
On either side of the forecourt are stelae. They are adorned with bas-reliefs. These represent the artillery, air force, cavalry, engineers, infantry, and navy.
The Monument aux Morts was inaugurated on January 29, 1928. Marshal Foch attended. English, American, and Italian naval officers were present. During the ceremony, families placed identity plaques. They placed them in a bronze reliquary. This was sealed in the funeral urn.
In late October 2018, a bronze eagle reliquary was found. It weighed 31.5 kg. It measured 28 cm high and 42 cm wide. It was scanned but not opened. Inside were rings, bracelets, and nearly 2,000 plaques of fallen soldiers.
The bronze eagle was displayed at the Nice town hall. It was then placed on the forecourt. After the November 11, 2018 ceremonies, it was returned to its place of discovery. The Monument aux Morts de Nice received the “Patrimoine du XXe siècle” label in 2000. It won first prize at the Trophées de l’aménagement urbain in 2004. It has been a historic monument since May 24, 2011.
Originally built for World War I victims. It now honors those of World War II. It also includes soldiers from the Indochina and Algeria wars. Even recent heroes like Captain Daniel Brière are remembered. This evolution shows Nice’s commitment. It shows the city’s desire to perpetuate the memory of sacrifices made for peace and freedom. As we stand here, let us remember their sacrifice and honor their memory. The Monument aux Morts de Nice stands as a timeless testament to their courage.