"From November 11 to peace missions, a tribute from a new perspective"

With the partnership of the ONAC VG of Var (through the loan of panels) this exhibition presented the action of External Operations (OPEX), FINUL and the ONU on their commitment in various conflicts. For many years, External Operations have represented one of the pillars of French military action. Thanks to numerous panels, photos and objects, recalling the courage and sacrifices made by the military, visitors plunge back into the actions initiated in many countries.

The Grande Guerre is not forgotten, however, as various mannequins and documents are also present. This exhibition is part of a process of transmitting memory.

Indeed, the Souvenir Français wished to honor the commitment of French military personnel who, sometimes far from their homeland, serve the values of peace and freedom. Meeting with Philippe Decreuse How long have you been president of the Souvenir Français of Le Val?

Philippe DECREUSE. I took over the presidency of the local committee of the Souvenir Français on January 1, 2025. What are your latest memorial actions on behalf of the Souvenir Français? PD.

On July 27, we commemorated the tragedy of the Fusillés du Bessillon, then on July 29, that of the Fusillés du Vins-sur-Caramy. On August 16, we were involved in the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Le Val as well as for an exhibition on the period. For November 10, we set up the Flammes de la Mémoire path with the schools of the municipality and Vins-sur-Caramy.

You proposed an exhibition that differs from those usually offered for November 11?

PD. Our exhibition is on the theme of FINUL and the OPEX of our armed forces.

In fact, I participated in the 11th mandate of FINUL in 1983. I wanted to make this period that I lived through known, especially since the Casques bleus have been highlighted a lot since the events in Israël and Sud Liban where they have been stationed since 1978. Do you have a message to pass on to the younger generation? PD.

Our message is that above all we must not forget the sacrifices of all our soldiers and that we are today the 4th generation at the 'Feu' since the 1st world conflict. Transmitting these values of the République when today's society would like to deny it and be ashamed of it. Honoring our dead without forgetting our wounded, and their wounds, both physical and internal.

We still have too many veterans who end their lives in their moral distress.

I will end with our motto 'To us the remembrance… To them immortality'.