Remembering our Heroes: The Resistance Memorial in Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure

In our tumultuous world, visiting sites of memory takes on a deep and contemporary meaning. It is an invitation to meditate on the essential values of freedom, shaped in the darkest periods of our history.

In Charente, the Resistance Memorial in Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure, a national necropolis, brings together on two hectares the bodies of 2029 resistance fighters and soldiers who fell in combat for France after the Second World War. 21 meters high, overlooking the forests, the imposing Resistance Memorial embodies our eternal gratitude to those who courageously defended our future of peace and freedom. A visit marked with respect and solemnity, which arouses deep emotion in the face of number of tombs lined up stretching as far as the eye can see. An essential memory site to see in Charente.

Educate through History: The Resistance Memorial with children

Why is it interesting to take children to visit these buildings and soldiers' resting places? Far beyond history books, these visits allow younger generations to understand the sacrifices made to guarantee our freedom today. By following in the footsteps of resistance fighters and fighters, children feel the emotional depth of these places full of memory. They thus become bearers of hope for a future where peace and tolerance will prevail over conflicts and divisions. Christian, Muslim and Jewish tombs sit side by side there. With each step, each grave becomes a lesson in memory and gratitude, and a reminder of the fundamental values of freedom, resilience and human solidarity.

The history of the Resistance Memorial

The monument carved from white Charentes stone was built at the end of the Second World War. It was German prisoners who, in 1945, began the work. Its location was not chosen at random: perched on a hill facing the region where the Bir-Hacheim maquis cantonments were located. It was Colonel Chabanne, one of the founders of the maquis, who was at the origin of its construction on land donated by Edouard Pascaud, mayor of Chasseneuil, and by his son Guy Pascaud, future senator of Charente and other founder of the maquis. On October 9, 1951, Vincent Auriol, then President of the Republic, inaugurated this monumental work imagined and created by the Charente architect, Fernand Poncelet (1910-1980).

A highly symbolic monument

The Chasseneuil memorial is distinguished by a majestic sculpture representing an immense V for victory supporting a cross of Lorraine. In the center of the cross, an imposing stone book traces the history of Civil Resistance, the sacrifice of those shot, the martyrdom of deportees and prisoners. At the top, France frees itself from its chains. A staircase of 69 steps made of local Vilhonor stone climbs a slope of 25 meters to reach the base of the monument.

Inside the building, a crypt below has 32 boxes where the bodies of heroes of the Charente army rest. Numerous panels are scattered throughout the site, providing an in-depth understanding of the historical context. We discover how the resistance was structured in Charente, as well as the different maquis engaged in the fight against the Nazi occupier.

This place of collective memory is an oasis of serenity dedicated to the memory of the resistance fighters who died for France, a space of aesthetic and educational commemoration, truly unique in Charente.

Article and photos by Lesley Williamson

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