Jean-Pierre Large, a life dedicated to the memory of the Provence Landings

The world of patriotic associations and the duty of memory has lost one of its most emblematic figures. Jean-Pierre Large, president of the Provence 44 association, passed away on March 21 at the age of 75. Passionate about the history of World War II, he devoted a large part of his life to passing on the memory of the Provence Landings. His funeral was held on Friday, March 27, in the church of La Crau, his birthplace, followed by his burial in the communal cemetery. An exceptional tribute was paid to him, with the presence of many elected officials and members of Provence 44 in period uniform, who formed a motorcade with the association's vehicles to accompany their president to his final resting place. Military honors were rendered to him by the patriotic associations and flag-bearers.

IN THE SERVICE OF THE ARMED FORCES

Before becoming a pillar of the community, Jean-Pierre Large devoted 36 years of his life to the French army. Born on October 30, 1950, in La Crau, he joined the non-commissioned officers' school in 1967. His long career in the Artillery took him through seven different postings, forging a rich and diverse military path. He served successively with the 54ème Régiment d'Artillerie (RA) in Verdun, the 403ème RA in Chaumont, and then the 401ème RA in Draguignan. His expertise also led him to the École Militaire des Armes Spéciales in Grenoble and the École de Défense NBC de l'Armée de Terre in Breteville-sur-Odon, near Caen. Promoted to Adjudant-chef, he finished his active career as workshop manager at the École d'Artillerie in Draguignan, before completing his reserve service at the Musée de l'Artillerie. His commitment was recognized with the Médaille Militaire (2000), the Médaille de la Défense Nationale (1991), and the Médaille des services militaires volontaires (2003).

TRANSMITTER OF MEMORY

Returning to civilian life, Jean-Pierre Large threw himself body and soul into his passion for history. He became the emblematic president of Provence 44, an association dedicated to the memory of the August 1944 Landings. His major achievement remains the famous historical reenactment camp he organized every year in La Londe-les-Maures. In a tribute, Patrice Caserio, from the Amicale des Commandos d'Afrique, described this camp as 'a real beehive, alive and vibrant, where enthusiasts, collectors and reenactors in period uniforms gathered. A place of exchange, transmission and fraternity'. Every summer, this event was an unmissable gathering, traditionally inaugurated by the mayor of La Londe-les-Maures, François de Canson. The commitment of Jean-Pierre Large went far beyond the scope of his own association. He was a board member of the Amicale hyèroise des anciens des 54ème et 405ème RA, the Comité du Souvenir Français de La Londe-les-Maures, the section of the Médaillés Militaires and the Amis de l'église de La Crau. In 2020, he had received the Commando d'Honneur badge from the hands of Pierre Velsch, one of the last veterans of the Landings. As Yves Boyer, president of the Souvenir Français de La Londe-les-Maures, recalled in his funeral eulogy, Jean-Pierre Large 'belonged to that generation of volunteers who never ask for anything in return. Indefatigable, he was always present with his Jeep to accompany students, cadets de la Défense or the Conseil municipal des jeunes on memorial visits to the key sites of the Landings, from Canadel to Mont Faron. His mischievous smile and his kindness masked an unwavering determination to serve, honor and transmit'. Unanimous tributes praised a man of heart, a loyal friend and a respected leader who, as Patrice Caserio wrote, leaves behind 'an imprint, a work, a family of enthusiasts that he knew how to bring together'.

More information on local patriotic associations is available on the website of the Union des Associations Patriotiques de la Porte des Maures (https://sites.google.com/view/uappm).