A tribute to the children of the Resistance
Le Souvenir Français presented an exhibition at Espace des Arts dedicated to children involved in the Resistance.
Organized by the local committee of Le Souvenir Français with the support of the Municipality, the exhibition "Les enfants dans la Résistance" highlighted the involvement of very young citizens who fought for freedom, sometimes at the risk of their lives.
Through a sober and respectful scenography, visitors discovered moving portraits, rare archival documents, and testimonies recounting these extraordinary destinies. This initiative, praised for its educational scope, constituted an essential work of remembrance for new generations.
During the opening, Monique Boursin, president of Le Souvenir Français, thanked Stéphane Arsonneau, president of the association "Pour les enfants de la Résistance", for the free loan of this remarkable collection. She also commended the support of the City and its mayor, Hervé Stassinos, who regularly joins actions of transmission and remembrance.
Awakening the awareness of young people
October 13 marked a highlight of the event, entirely dedicated to the town's schoolchildren. Welcomed by the president of Le Souvenir Français, the students benefited from a tailored guided tour, complemented by the screening of an animated film illustrating the crucial role of children within underground networks.
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For the organizers, this educational approach is paramount. "Our wish is that this moment spent here serves as a transmission for the children, that they see in these young resistance fighters who were their age real heroes who will perhaps inspire them. May this visit lead them to reflect on these tragic moments, awaken their awareness, and lead them to respect and commitment towards our country," emphasized, with emotion, Monique Boursin.
Exemplary figures
At the heart of the exhibition, the stories of four children, aged 6 to 17, powerfully illustrated courage and sacrifice. Their bravery saved hundreds of lives and contributed actively to the Liberation of the country.
Among these figures, two destinies were highlighted. First, that of Marcel Pinte, 6 years old, recognized as the youngest resistance fighter in France. This young boy carried secret messages hidden in the handlebars of his bicycle for the Maquis. Died for France, he was accidentally killed during a British weapons airdrop he was attending.
The story of Josette Torrent, 12 years old, is also recalled. As a liaison agent, she thwarted enemy vigilance by hiding vital documents in her schoolbag, among her notebooks and her geography atlas.
Photo PRESSE AGENCE.