Monument aux morts d’Oran

Beneath a somber sky, a silent tribute stands. The Monument aux morts d’Oran whispers tales of sacrifice and displacement. This imposing memorial, originally erected in Oran, Algeria, in 1927, now finds its home in Lyon’s Duchère district. The Monument aux morts d’Oran holds a unique position, bridging two continents and two distinct chapters of history. It initially commemorated the lives lost in World War I. The sculptor, Albert Pommier, captured the image of soldiers bound together in camaraderie and loss. The original pedestal, a towering eight meters high, proudly proclaimed victory. It dominated Oran’s landscape on Avenue Loubet. This Monument aux morts d’Oran bore witness to a changing world. In 1967, following the Algerian War and a twinning agreement between Oran and Lyon, the monument embarked on a journey across the Mediterranean. Only the sculptural group of soldiers made the voyage, their original pedestal remaining in Oran. A new pedestal, 6.50 meters high, awaited in Lyon. It bears an inscription: “In memory of their native land, the city of Lyon, to its children of North Africa whom it has welcomed.” The Monument aux morts d’Oran stands as a poignant reminder of the complexities of history, displacement, and memory. It serves as a gathering place for the local Harki community, particularly on their national day. Their presence adds another layer of meaning to this already significant monument. It echoes the sentiments of those who left their homes in Algeria and sought refuge in Lyon. The Monument aux morts d’Oran is more than just a war memorial. It’s a symbol of shared history, loss, and the search for belonging in a new land. Today, this thirty-ton monument stands as a silent sentinel in Lyon’s Duchère district. The Monument aux morts d’Oran serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds between two cities forever linked by history.