Whispers of remembrance linger here. This is the Stèle du Souvenir a poignant memorial in Vicherey. It stands tall a granite sentinel overlooking the village and its valley. This isn’t just any monument. It honors the victims of deportation and civilian executions during the Nazi occupation.
The Stèle du Souvenir wasn’t built overnight. It was a labor of love. Maurice Gérard Father Demange and Gilbert d’Habit spearheaded the project. A local granite quarry generously donated the stone. The monument was finally erected in April 1990. Its inauguration took place on September 30 1990.
The Stèle du Souvenir remembers 38 lives. These were residents from 16 surrounding towns and villages. Each life lost a story untold but etched in the very stone of this memorial. The inscription at the top reads “In the land of Haut-Saintois passer remember here too the wind of liberty blew.” It’s a powerful reminder of the struggles endured and the eventual triumph of freedom.
Nearby within the cemetery walls stands another monument. This one is an obelisk a classic war memorial. It’s dedicated to the men of Vicherey who fell in World War I and World War II and the Algerian War. “Glory to our heroes” it proclaims. These two memorials side by side speak volumes. They represent a community’s collective memory a commitment to preserving the past.
The Stèle du Souvenir and the monument to the fallen are more than just stones. They are testaments to resilience. They are symbols of remembrance. They invite us to reflect. They ensure that the sacrifices made will not be forgotten. As you leave this sacred space carry the whispers of remembrance with you. Let the Stèle du Souvenir be a reminder of the importance of peace and the enduring strength of the human spirit.