Did Roger Séjournant ever imagine his name would be etched onto a plaque in the heart of Paris? Here, at the intersection of Rue Saint-Denis and Rue des Lombards, stands the Ici est tombé pour la libération de Paris Roger Séjournant Plaque. This plaque commemorates a young man who gave his life for the liberation of Paris. The Ici est tombé pour la libération de Paris Roger Séjournant Plaque serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II.
Roger Séjournant, born on June 27, 1922, in Serqueux, Haute-Marne, lived at 35 Rue Danton in Paris’s 6th arrondissement. He was just 22 when he joined the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) to fight for his city’s freedom. On August 20, 1944, during the tumultuous battle for Paris’s liberation, Roger fell near 25 Rue Saint-Denis, just steps from where we stand now. The fight for Paris began on August 19, 1944. Thousands participated in the uprising, which ended on August 25th. Tragically, over 500 civilians, around 1,000 FFI members, and about 100 soldiers from General Leclerc’s 2nd Armored Division lost their lives.
The plaque at the Ici est tombé pour la libération de Paris Roger Séjournant memorial reads: “Ici est tombé pour la Libération de Paris Roger Séjournant jeune FFI de 22 ans.” This translates to, “Here fell for the Liberation of Paris, Roger Séjournant, a young FFI member of 22 years.” The plaque’s simple inscription speaks volumes about the chaotic nature of the urban warfare during the Liberation. It was a fight for every street, every building. Roger Séjournant was recognized for his bravery. He was posthumously awarded the mention “Mort pour la France,” meaning “Died for France,” and his rank was officially recognized as Corporal FFI.
Roger Séjournant’s name is also inscribed on the war memorial in his hometown of Serqueux. This plaque and the memorial in Serqueux ensure that his sacrifice is not forgotten. The Ici est tombé pour la libération de Paris Roger Séjournant Plaque is more than just a piece of metal. It’s a window into a pivotal moment in history. It’s a testament to the courage of ordinary citizens who rose up against oppression. As you continue your exploration of Paris, remember Roger Séjournant and the countless others who fought for the city’s freedom. Their bravery echoes in the vibrant streets we walk today.