“The Médaille militaire is the most beautiful of all decorations!”
173 years ago, the Médaille militaire was created. NCOs of the three armies and gendarmerie, volunteer combatants, career or conscripted soldiers...
It was therefore with emotion and immense pride that the elected members of the Conseil municipal gathered in the presence of François de Canson, the mayor, to inaugurate the “Les Médaillés Militaires” roundabout. This moment marked an important step for the municipality, which paid tribute to those who, through their courage and commitment, served France with honor and dedication. In the presence of: “The Médaille militaire is, without a doubt, the most beautiful of all decorations a soldier can receive.
It symbolizes service in the armed forces, dedication, and accepted sacrifice. This spirit of sacrifice, which is manifested not only by heroic feats of arms, but is also the sacrifice made over many years of one's leisure time, rest periods, part of one's family life... This medal represents exemplariness and total commitment to the service of the fatherland, and it was therefore our duty to perpetuate its memory and prestige,” recalled François de Canson.
DUTY OF REMEMBRANCE The mayor added: “The association des Médaillés Militaires, created in 1904, works tirelessly to perpetuate the memory of these heroes, to support veterans, and to pass on the legacy of these commitments to younger generations. Through its actions of solidarity and commemoration, it participates in the duty of remembrance, essential so that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten. Its members invest themselves daily to maintain this link between History and our present, reminding everyone of the importance of recognition and respect for those who served under our flag.”
In La Londe, the involvement and commitment of the members of the Médaillés Militaires demonstrate that memory and recognition are not empty words but concrete principles that guide the actions of elected officials.
STRONG SYMBOL OF RECOGNITION “Today, by naming this roundabout “Les Médaillés Militaires”, we are engraving a strong symbol of recognition and remembrance into our landscape. This place will become a landmark and a permanent tribute to those men and women who placed the general interest above their own destiny. A few steps from the Antoine-Bussone school, this daily passing place also becomes a place of transmission.
For honoring the Médaillés Militaires means reminding future generations of the importance of courage, discipline, and dedication in the service of the fatherland.
Beyond the tribute, it is a message we address to the Londais. This roundabout embodies fidelity to republican values. It invites us never to forget the sacrifice of those who allowed our country to remain free and prosperous.
It also reminds us that the heritage of the Médaille Militaire rests on timeless values: those of respect, solidarity, and transmission.”
Finally, the mayor had a special thought for those who, through their military commitment, have marked the history of our nation: “May this roundabout be a lasting testament to our gratitude and deep respect. This inauguration is much more than a simple event. It symbolizes our ambition for La Londe, a town that honors its past while looking to the future, a town where remembrance and civic engagement occupy an essential place.
Through your commitment, you give this motto “Valeur et Discipline”, engraved on the back of your Medal, an ever-new resonance and you prove that these ideals are not outdated, especially in La Londe.”
• Pierre Pratviel, president of the Médaille Militaire, and his vice-president, • The members of the Médaillés Militaires of La Londe-les-Maures, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Le Lavandou and Le Rayol. • Representatives of patriotic associations, • The flag-bearers, A LITTLE HISTORY: Louis Napoléon Bonaparte, by signing the decrees of January 22 and February 29, 1852, endowed France with a distinction intended to reward the military merits of wounded NCOs, cited in combat, or who had distinguished themselves through their campaigns. Within a few years, the Médaille militaire was to acquire immense prestige, to the point that it was decided it would be the supreme reward for generals who had commanded in chief victoriously before the enemy.
It is the third French decoration in the order of precedence. The campaigns of the Second Empire, the two world wars, Indochine, Algérie, and the external operations led by France have enriched the history and legend of this prestigious decoration.
The courage, selflessness, dedication, and competence of thousands of little-known heroes, modest and silent architects of great battles, tireless servants of the fatherland, have found their rightful recognition in wearing the coveted yellow and green ribbon.
Photos Alain BLANCHOT.