Lost amid the Parisian streets stands a tribute. It is “En mémoire du commandant KIEFFER” War Memorial. Have you ever wondered about the story it holds?
This memorial honors Commandant Kieffer. More specifically, it honors the French soldiers who served under him. They were killed in overseas operations.
To fully understand the significance of this memorial we should know about the events that happened on June 6th, 1944.
France has several commemorative sites dedicated to the history of D-Day. The town of Ouistreham boasts three such locations. They are the Atlantic Wall Museum Grand Bunker, the No. 4 Commando Museum, and the “La Flamme” monument. These sites pay tribute to the French commandos. They landed on Sword Beach on June 6, 1944.
The No. 4 Commando Museum specifically commemorates the French commandos of D-Day. More specifically, it honors the 4th Commando. It stands on Sword Beach opposite the present-day Ouistreham Casino. Its mission is to explain who these commandos were. Also what they accomplished is part of the Museum. The museum tries to perpetuate their memory and example.
The museum is managed by the Association of Former Members of the 1st Marine Riflemen Commando Battalion. Renovated in 2008, the museum uses multimedia. For example, it features archives from London’s Imperial War Museum. This museum has become the focal point for D-Day ceremonies. It is located near the Flamme memorial.
President François Mitterrand inaugurated the Flamme memorial on June 6, 1984. Today, it is a major memorial site in the Sword Beach sector. The site is a former blockhouse of the Atlantic Wall. It is topped by a firing dome recovered from the Maginot Line. French forces neutralized this blockhouse on June 6, 1944.
The monument is shaped like a flame. It symbolizes the D-Day landings. It bears the names of the 177 marine riflemen who landed at Colleville-sur-Orne. Facing the monument are ten stelae. They bear the names of 10 soldiers who fell in Ouistreham on June 6, 1944. Seven steps leading to the monument symbolize the number of soldiers who fell between the monument and the casino. Finally, a stone stele tops the others. Sculptor Petrus dedicated it to Commandant Kieffer.
“En mémoire du commandant KIEFFER” War Memorial stands as a reminder. It reminds us of their courage and sacrifice. Take a moment to reflect on their story. Remember the price of freedom and peace.