‘The Appeal of June 18, the founding act of the Resistance’
On June 18, the prefect of the Var, elected officials, and civil and military authorities celebrated the 85th anniversary of the Appeal of June 18, 1940.
Thus, in La Londe-les-Maures, François de Canson strongly recalled the historical significance of this founding act of the French Resistance. While Marshal P tain called for an end to the fighting and the signing of the armistice, a voice from London rekindled the hope of a broken country. That of General de Gaulle, still unknown to the general public, but already bearing a vision: that of a France standing tall, free, and faithful to its values.
‘A flame of hope, the message of General de Gaulle pierces the night that has fallen over France.’
In a context of debacle, fear, and repression, men and women made the choice of courage. They said no to occupation and humiliation, joining the internal Resistance or the Free French Forces. ‘To resist is not only to survive, it is choosing to live standing tall,’ emphasized François de Canson, paying tribute to all these heroes, often anonymous, who risked their lives so that France might live.
And he concluded: ‘It is our duty to pass on this message. To keep this memory alive. So that France never forgets what it owes to those who said no.’
Photos Philippe OLIVIER and PRESSE AGENCE. IN LA GARDE IN LA VALETTE IN LA VALETTE IN AU PRADET IN AU PRADET IN CAVALAIRE IN CAVALAIRE