“Who was Joseph Longarini?” I often wonder as I stand before this plaque. Joseph Longarini Plaque commemorates a brave man. It stands at the corner of Rue Duquesne and Rue Duguesclin. This is the very spot where Joseph Longarini was murdered.
Joseph Longarini’s story is one of courage. It is also about resistance during World War II. Longarini was born in Italy on March 6, 1907. His family later moved to France. He became a French citizen in 1930.
Longarini was more than just a worker. He was a dedicated communist activist. In 1936, he served as secretary. He worked for the metalworkers’ union in Givors.
The war changed everything. Longarini joined the Francs-Tireurs et Partisans Français. This was a resistance group. Émile Juvanon recruited him. He worked in Lyon and surrounding areas. He was part of the Vè Bureau de l’Armée secrète. These were Free Corps groups.
Longarini’s alias was Ricard or Berger. He became a key figure in the Mouvements Unis de Résistance. He was the departmental leader.
The morning of June 9, 1944, was fateful. Longarini and his comrades gathered at Place Puvis-de-Chavannes. The German police and Milice attacked their clandestine meeting. A skirmish broke out. Longarini was wounded. He tried to escape. Sadly, he was killed at this corner. It is the corner of Rue Duquesne and Rue Du Guesclin.
Joseph Longarini was recognized posthumously. He was named lieutenant of the French Forces of the Interior in 1946. The mention “Mort pour la France” was granted in 1945.
The Joseph Longarini Plaque reminds us of his sacrifice. It marks the spot of his assassination. This was by the Milice on June 9, 1944. A street in Givors has borne his name since 1949.
Even Longarini’s family remembers his bravery. A grandson recalls Joseph Longarini being imprisoned at Montluc prison. That was in Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement.
The Joseph Longarini Plaque stands as a testament. It honors a man who fought for freedom. It is a reminder of the high price of liberty. Take a moment to reflect on Joseph Longarini’s courage. Remember his sacrifice. His story lives on through this plaque.