Imagine poet Charles Péguy standing here. The Stèle commémorative Charles Péguy Plaque stands as a tribute to his memory. It commemorates his sacrifice for France.
This memorial is not just stone. It embodies the spirit of a man. Charles Péguy died for France on September 5 1914. This plaque honors his life. It also honors his wish to be among those who gave everything.
The Stèle commémorative Charles Péguy Plaque is located at the Grande Synagogue de Paris. You can find it at 44 Rue de la Victoire. The monument itself is a stèle. Emmanuel Hannaux sculpted it in 1923.
The stèle is in an outdoor gallery. It runs along the right aisle of the synagogue. Facing a side door it stands against a building. This building now houses archives.
Look closely at the stèle. It features an altar. The Tables of the Law rest on it. A helmet a rifle and a flag stand before them. Laurel branches frame the composition.
Engraved on the base one can see the words: “A la mémoire des Israelites morts pour la France 1914-1918.” Above the plaques is another inscription. It reads: “Communauté de Paris morts pour la France 1914-1918.” These words honor the 1350 Parisian Jews who died in the conflict. Their names are etched into gray veined marble. The letters are filled with black.
To the right of the stèle you will spot a white marble plaque. It is dedicated to Charles Péguy. The epitaph reads: “À la mémoire de CHARLES PEGUY Mort pour la France Le 5 septembre 1914.”
Charlotte-Charles Péguy requested this addition. She wanted her husband’s name to be with those who shared his fate. She wanted him to be remembered alongside the Israelites. They gave their lives for France as he did.
The Stèle commémorative Charles Péguy Plaque was inaugurated on November 11 1923. Many officials attended including M. Brunet and M. Sauphar. They represented the State and the City. L’univers israélite documented the ceremony on November 16 1923.
Charles Péguy was a lieutenant in the 276th R.I. He was part of the 19th company. A bullet struck him in the forehead. He was standing tall leading his men. His last words were “Tirez toujours” or “Keep shooting.”
Beyond this place in Paris there is another memorial to Charles Péguy in Villeroy. It is a cross marking where he fell. The inscription reads: “En ces champs tomba Charles Péguy le 5 Sept. 1914.” It stands near the site of his death.
Consider this stèle. It is more than a memorial. It is a testament to sacrifice. It is a reminder of unity. It is a symbol of remembrance. The Stèle commémorative Charles Péguy Plaque invites us to reflect. It urges us to honor those who died for France.