Imagine young women in traditional dresses. They furtively placed cockades on soldiers’ tombs in Alsace and Lorraine. This act of quiet defiance gave birth to a powerful idea. We are standing before a monument to that idea. It is the Le Souvenir Français War memorial.
Le Souvenir Français emerged in 1887. France had just lost Alsace-Lorraine. François-Xavier Niessen an Alsatian professor founded it. He refused to accept the annexation by Germany. Niessen wanted to show the attachment of Alsatians-Lorrainers to France. He aimed to maintain the memory of the lost provinces. He believed that tending to graves would keep alive the memory of those who died for France. It would also foster a sense of national unity.
Le Souvenir Français preserves the memory of soldiers who died for France. It maintains tombs and commemorative monuments. It transmits the flame of remembrance to future generations. The association honors all who died for France. This includes both French citizens and foreigners.
The association grew rapidly. By 1900, Le Souvenir Français had 80000 members. They were spread across 854 local committees. They created monuments, steles and plaques. It is estimated that the association materialized 2000 locations.
Le Souvenir Français played a vital role in developing a spirit of defense. It helped ground the memory of the Franco-Prussian War. Until 1914, it created monuments and participated in ceremonies. During World War I, it honored all combatants “Mort pour la France”. They did this by placing tricolor cockades on their graves.
After World War I, Le Souvenir Français faced a new situation. The state, municipalities, and veterans’ associations became prominent memorial actors. Le Souvenir Français became their effective partner.
In 1906, relations between the government and Le Souvenir Français deepened. The association was recognized as being of public utility. That same year, General Picart brought Niessen and Auguste Spinner together. His aim was to promote Le Souvenir Français committees in Alsace-Moselle.
With the agreement of German authorities, Le Souvenir Français gained a foothold in annexed territories. However, the intense pro-French activity worried German authorities. They were confronted with the development of a “spirit of revenge.” In January 1913, Le Souvenir Français was banned in Alsace-Moselle. This happened months before World War I broke out.
Today, Le Souvenir Français has a presence in many countries. It has delegations in over 71 countries worldwide. The organization participates in ceremonies. These include those on May 8, June 18, July 14, November 1, and November 11.
Le Souvenir Français faces several challenges. These include demographic shifts and changing concepts of memory. Yet, it remains committed to its mission. It strives to honor the fallen and pass on their legacy.
In 1987, Paris honored the association’s centennial. The city named the esplanade of Avenue de Breteuil Esplanade du Souvenir-Français. It leads to the Hôtel des Invalides. As you reflect on the sacrifices commemorated here remember the words of Le Souvenir Français: “To us the memory, to them immortality.”