“To the people of Lille soldiers and civilians” reads the inscription. The Monument aux Morts de 1914-1918 et 1939-1945 stands here. It serves as a somber reminder of sacrifice. This impressive monument is a place of remembrance. It stands adjacent to the chapel. The chapel is the last vestige of the medieval palace. Dukes of Burgundy once resided here.
Lille’s Monument aux Morts is not just stone. It embodies the city’s spirit. The monument is a focal point for commemorative events. It is a place to honor those who perished.
After World War I Lille sought a design. The city wanted to remember its people’s suffering. It was not just for those in the armed forces. In 1924 Jacques Alleman and Edgar-Henri Boutry won. Their submission was titled “Melancolia.”
Originally “Melancolia” had bas-reliefs planned. They were to show dramatic war events in Lille. However the city decided on separate memorials. These would honor individuals like Louise de Bettignies. She died in a German prison. Another memorial would honor Léon Trulin. He was executed as a spy in 1915.
The final design of Lille’s War Memorial has three bas-reliefs. From top to bottom they represent “Peace”, “Relief”, and “The Prisoners”. In French they are “La Paix”, “La Relève”, and “Les Captifs”. The central bas-relief shows soldiers relieving Lille. They freed the city from German occupation. It lasted four years. British soldiers are depicted. This is unusual for a French war memorial. It represents the city’s liberation in 1918.
The Lille War Memorial is in Place Rihour. It stands near the modern Tourist Information Office. The monument was built on the old City Hall site. The hall burned down in 1916. It was unveiled on May 22 1927.
Inside the monument lies a “Golden Book”. It contains names of Lillois who died. They lost their lives due to war. Additions were made to reflect later conflicts. These included the Second World War.
Lille endured another German occupation. It lasted from 1940 to 1944. History often repeats itself. The original dedication mentions earlier wars. Citizens of Lille died in those conflicts too.
The inscription reads: “To the people of Lille soldiers and civilians. The city erected this monument. It is to remember the centuries of heroism. It also remembers the suffering of her children. They died for Peace.” Later the dates 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 were added. Indo-China and North Africa were also included. This was to honor those who died in those conflicts.
Engraved paving stones mark Place Rihour. They commemorate groups involved in combating occupiers. This happened during both World Wars. Trade groups trade unions and Polish troops are remembered. 83000 Polish soldiers fell during France’s liberation.
Despite protests the council chose a monument. It was dedicated to Lillois who died for peace. This happened in 1924. Jacques Alleman proposed this.
The monument is a starting point. It begins a commemorative journey. It is dedicated to great Lille resistance figures. Louise de Bettignies Léon Trulin and committee members are among them.
The allegory of the Captifs is there to remind us. It reminds us of the sad fate of the people of Lille. Their fate depended on maintaining public order. The city was under German occupation. They placed Peace at the top. This conveys that thanks to the fighters the captives and the relief Peace could be present again.
Each year citizens gather here. Civic leaders and government representatives attend. They remember the war on November 11. This marks the Armistice of 1918 anniversary. They also gather on May 8. This marks V.E. Day in 1945 anniversary.