The French War Memorial

Located in the center of Pondicherry, the French War Memorial is a solemn tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who served France during World War I. This touching monument, surrounded by peaceful surroundings, honors the heroes whose courage is still remembered today.

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The monument was erected in 1937 and inaugurated on 3 April 1938 by governor Crocicchia. A subsidy of 5,000 rupees was entered into the colonial budget and was granted “to the committee designated by the decree of 14 January 1936, for the erection of a monument to the memory of the inhabitants of French India who died for France during the 1914–1918 war.” It was designed by the sculptor Gaston Petit and an architect named Delafon.A bronze plaque lists the names of soldiers who died during the First World War. Further plaques were added, listing the names of soldiers who died during World War II, the French War in Indhochina and the Algerian War. The monument remains the property of France.The memorial is decorated and illuminated yearly on Bastille Day  (14 July) in honour of the soldiers from the colony who took part in World War I. French government officials visit the memorial on occasion and lay flowers at the foot of the monument.A “Defense and Citizenship Day” is held every November, offering students from the Lycée français de Pondichéry and other local schools the chance to attend presentations on the rights and duties of French citizen followed by presentations on national defense. They then attend a ceremony at the memorial on 11 November to honour the end of the First World War.

The French War Memorial was constructed in 1971 to pay tribute to the soldiers from French India who valiantly gave up their lives during the First World War. It stands as a strong symbol of the destructive impact of war on both individuals and communities, creating a shared memory that goes beyond generations. The memorial is characterized by its simple yet powerful design, featuring a central arch adorned with a symbolic laurel wreath – a timeless emblem of honor and victory. 

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