Monument des fraternisations, Neuville-Saint-Vaast, World War I memorial site in Neuville-Saint-Vaast, France.
The Monument of Fraternizations is a memorial site featuring glass sculptures depicting soldiers of different nations meeting in a recreated trench setting. The installation presents scenes of troops playing football and communicating across enemy lines.
During the winters of 1914 and 1915, French and German soldiers in this area temporarily ceased fighting to share moments of peace. These unexpected truces reveal how troops found their shared humanity despite the war.
The monument draws from writings by Corporal Louis Barthas, who recorded the spontaneous truces between opposing forces. His words shape the installation and reveal how soldiers in this sector briefly set aside their differences.
The site offers multimedia content accessible through QR codes and a Timescope device for historical experiences. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the outdoor space.
The site was chosen specifically because spontaneous truces actually occurred there in 1915, documented by the soldiers present. This historical authenticity makes it a direct witness to these rare moments of fraternity.
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