The Mémorial national de la guerre d’Algérie et des combats du Maroc et de la Tunisie stands tall on the banks of the Seine, a stark monument to the conflicts that ravaged North Africa in the 20th century. Its three towering columns, each six metres high, are made of concrete and adorned with digital screens, each displaying a constant roll-call of names. The monument, designed by architect Gérard Collin-Thiébaut, serves as a poignant reminder of the price paid by those who fought and died for the French flag.
The memorial was inaugurated in 2002 by President Jacques Chirac. The monument remembers all the soldiers, including the Algerian ‘harkis,’ who perished in the wars. It also honors the victims of post-ceasefire violence. The second column displays the names of those who lost their lives after the ceasefire on March 19, 1962, including French settlers who died during the Rue D’Isly massacre in Algiers. This aspect of the memorial has sparked heated debates among historians and the descendants of those who were involved in the conflict.
The Mémorial serves as a powerful testament to the complexities of France’s colonial past. Visitors can see a particular name displayed on the third column by using the interactive screen located at its base. Standing before the Mémorial, you can’t help but reflect on the sacrifices made and the enduring memories of a turbulent period in history.