Saint-Martin-d'Estréaux war memorial, War memorial in Saint-Martin-d'Estréaux, France
The Saint-Martin-d'Estréaux war memorial is a monument featuring three panels arranged around a central column, displaying photographs and names of fallen soldiers. A sculpted grieving woman in bas-relief is integrated into the structure, along with marble plaques that hold the names and images of those remembered.
The monument was built in 1922 but remained unopened until its official inauguration in 1947. This long delay between construction and dedication reflects the local community's struggle to come to terms with the memorial's approach to remembrance.
The memorial displays strong messages for peace, including the Latin phrase 'Si vis pacem, para pacem' and statements against warfare. These words shape how visitors understand the site's purpose and the community's values.
The memorial sits in Place de l'Eglise and is freely accessible every day, with parking available nearby for cars and coaches. Its central location makes it simple to find and visit on foot.
The memorial faced strong opposition and was vandalized during the 1930s because of its anti-militarist messages. These incidents reveal how deeply divided the community was about how to remember the wars.
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