The somber elegance of the Monument aux Morts in Lille. Its presence is undeniable.
This isn’t just a monument. It’s a poignant reflection of Lille’s suffering during the First World War. It stands in Place Rihour on the site of the old City Hall destroyed in 1916. The Monument aux Morts was unveiled on May 22 1927. It was designed by architect Jacques Alleman and sculptor Edgar-Henri Boutry. The design’s title is Melancolia.
Originally the design included bas-reliefs depicting dramatic war events. The city later decided to commemorate those events with separate memorials. These memorials include ones for nurse Louise de Bettignies and Lu00e9on Trulin.
The Monument aux Morts’ final design features three bas-reliefs. From top to bottom the themes are Peace Relief and The Prisoners. The middle bas-relief shows British soldiers. This is unusual for a French war memorial. It symbolizes Lille’s liberation in 1918.
A Golden Book within the monument holds the names of Lillois who died in war. The names reflect later conflicts too. The original dedication in French reads “To the people of Lille soldiers and civilians the city has erected this monument to remember the centuries of heroism and suffering of her children who died for Peace”. The dates 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 were later added. So were Indo-China and North Africa.
In front of the monument engraved paving stones remember groups who fought the occupiers. These groups include trade unions and Polish troops. Every year on November 11 and May 8 Lille citizens gather here in remembrance.
The Monument aux Morts isn’t just stone and bronze. It’s a living testament. It’s a place of mourning a place of remembrance. It’s a symbol of the enduring spirit of Lille. A reminder of the sacrifices made for peace. It continues to be a site for solace for the bereaved and a place of honor for those who fell.