11 November: remembering, passing on and keeping alive the memory of those who fell for France

108 years ago, on 11 November 1918, at exactly 11 o'clock, the guns fell silent on the Western Front. After more than four years of deadly fighting, the Armistice had been signed a few hours earlier in the Rethondes clearing, in the Forest of Compiègne. The date has become one of the major symbols of our shared history.

The First World War left behind millions of dead, wounded and bereaved families. In villages and large cities alike, war memorials became witnesses to those sacrificed lives and to the suffering endured by an entire generation.

A day of remembrance that goes beyond the First World War!

While 11 November historically commemorates the 1918 Armistice, its significance has evolved over time.

Since the law of 28 February 2012, this national day also pays tribute to all military personnel and civilians who died for France in past and present conflicts.

The commemoration therefore now extends well beyond the Great War alone. It invites us to think of the generations who lived through wars, of the soldiers, of the Resistance fighters and of all those who paid for their commitment with their lives.

In the Three Borders area, a deeply European history!

Our region, where France, Germany and Luxembourg meet, has a particular history.

Here, borders have shifted, and people have lived through the conflicts, displacements and upheavals of several generations. Traces of this history are still visible in our villages, our military cemeteries, our memorials and the stories handed down within families.

Remembering the past also means understanding how far the peoples of Europe have come and appreciating the importance of peace and reconciliation between nations.

Passing on the memory to future generations.

Every year, the ceremonies held in towns and villages recall the importance of the duty of remembrance. The laying of wreaths, readings of official messages, the sounding of the Last Post and moments of reflection are all symbolic gestures that keep this history alive.

But remembrance must not be limited to an annual ceremony. It is also passed on in schools, families and associations, and through local initiatives that help preserve our historical heritage.

At a time when the last direct witnesses of the great conflicts of the 20th century are passing away, this transmission takes on particular importance.

Remembering is not simply looking back. It is understanding our history in order to build a better future.

On this 11 November, Radio Tripoint joins in this day of remembrance and pays tribute to all those who died for France.

Remember so as never to forget. Pass it on so that future generations will know.