Lily-Rose's testimony
President of the CMJ memory commission, Lily-Rose shares her day in Draguignan and her visit to the Le Muy museum.
MUSEUM OF THE LIBERATION She says: "We started the day at the American cemetery of Draguignan. Once we arrived, we were welcomed by our Canadian guide. As soon as we entered, we noticed religious symbols on every grave.
The symbols varied depending on the religion of the deceased. Our guide taught us how to recognize a grave: you need to know the plot (e.g., plot C). Then, the row, where they are all numbered by twos (e.g., row 8). And finally, you need to know its number, as all the graves in the same row have the same number (e.g., 10)".
WONDERFUL EXPLANATIONS "After searching for several graves, we went to the memorial to hold a tribute ceremony where we listened to the story of a standard-bearer. Then, Vincent had the honor of laying the flame of hope, and then, as with all tribute ceremonies, we sang the Marseillaise. We went outside to take photos because it is very important for Michèle.
We hit the road again towards the Artillery Museum. Outside, we could observe vehicles. Once inside, we saw models, cannons, etc.
Every time we saw objects, their evolution over time was shown. Flags of defunct regiments were also on display. As usual, we received wonderful explanations from Yves Boyer.
I couldn't explain everything to you because quite simply I am not like him, I explain things much less well.
Once we were full, we left for the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions. At the museum reception, we formed groups of three," the young girl continues. "We were given styluses where we had to press on a sort of speaker that commented on the display cases.
For example, we were explained how cork stoppers are made and many other things as well. Then, we went outside to look at the vehicles that farmers used to work. After stopping at the shop, we got back on the bus heading towards Le Muy.
We went to the Liberation Museum where we were welcomed by an enthusiast, Thierry Martin. If you have the chance, I invite you to go there because it is very interesting. There you can find the uniforms of soldiers during the Second World War, their weapons, and their parachutes.
I saw something that particularly touched me: a mannequin representing Pierre Velsch. So we were able to listen to his story.
We then went to the second building, a sort of tower where an old house room was reconstructed at the top. At the end of the visit, all the members of the CMJ received a small flag as a gift."
The day was now over. We were all returning to the most beautiful commune in the Var: La Londe-les-Maures!
Thank you for listening to me, thank you to Monsieur le Maire, to Yves Boyer and to Michèle for this wonderful day."
Lily-Rose.