Monument d’hommage aux Brigades Internationales War memorial

Why are those women gazing so resolutely towards the sky? We’re standing before the Monument d’hommage aux Brigades Internationales. It’s a poignant reminder of a conflict that touched lives far beyond the borders of Spain. The Monument d’hommage aux Brigades Internationales, inaugurated in June 2000, stands as a tribute to the Swiss men and women who risked everything to fight against fascism during the Spanish Civil War. Crafted from stainless steel, its three figures represent the women who served in the International Brigades, their unwavering expressions capturing the determination of those who dared to stand up for their ideals. The inscription, taken from a speech by Dolores Ibárruri, known as “La Pasionaria”, further emphasizes the monument’s message. It reads, both in French and Spanish, “It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.” This powerful statement embodies the spirit of the Brigades, who saw the fight against fascism in Spain as a fight for freedom and democracy everywhere. Over 800 Swiss citizens, driven by their commitment to the Republican cause, volunteered to fight. Upon their return, however, they were met not with accolades but with condemnation. Switzerland, a nation committed to neutrality, deemed their service in a foreign army a violation of their military code. The volunteers were stripped of their rights and condemned by military courts, their sacrifice ignored and their courage questioned. It wasn’t until 2009, seventy years after the war’s end, that the Swiss Parliament finally granted them a pardon, officially recognizing the justness of their cause and the significance of their sacrifice. The Monument d’hommage aux Brigades Internationales serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring legacy of courage, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the fight for freedom and justice must continue.