“Toi qui es le plus jeune d’entre nous tu reprendras le combat.” These words echo from the past as we stand before the Plaque commémorative Eugénie APROSIO. This plaque is a tribute to a remarkable woman. It commemorates her courage and sacrifice during World War II.
The Plaque commémorative Eugénie APROSIO stands as a solemn reminder of the dark days of World War II. It honors Eugénie APROSIO. She was a French resistance fighter who paid the ultimate price for her bravery.
Eugénie APROSIO, born in 1876, was a militant antifascist. She engaged in the Resistance during the first year of the occupation. At the time she was already 63 years old. Her small laundry at 62 avenue Georges Clémenceau in Nice became a vital hub. It served as a clandestine mailbox.
In November 1941, the Vichy police discovered her activity. They set a trap in the back of her shop. Nini, as she was known, displayed incredible courage. She pinned a note on her chest reading “La police chez moi”. This simple act warned her comrades. She saved them from arrest.
Eugénie APROSIO’s trial was held in January 1942. She and others were judged by the Special Section of the Military Tribunal. Some received life sentences of hard labor. Others got 20 years. Eugénie was sentenced to three years of imprisonment.
Pierre Dolla, a fellow resistance member, recalled her words. “You who are the youngest among us, you will resume the fight. You will avenge us.” These words motivated him. They served as a call to continue the struggle against oppression.
Eugénie was moved from prison to prison. Eventually, she was deported to Ravensbrück. In February 1945, she was murdered in the gas chamber. This was just months before the war’s end.
The Plaque commémorative Eugénie APROSIO was inaugurated on Avenue Georges Clemenceau in 1947. It was restored in 2008 after being broken. It stands as a testament to her unwavering spirit.
Eugénie APROSIO’s story is a powerful example of resistance against tyranny. She used her age and resources to fight. Her actions helped those who were fighting against oppression. Let us remember Eugénie APROSIO and her fellow resisters. They risked everything for freedom.