Armistice Day Ceremonies Mark 108 Years as Schoolchildren Learn From Veterans

November 11 armistice commemoration in Alpes-Maritimes schools, Digi Mart USA News (Alpes-Maritimes, France): France marks the 108th anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended the fighting of World War I on Wednesday, November 11, a date set aside to honor all “Morts pour la France,” both civilians and military personnel.

In the Alpes-Maritimes, several ceremonies are scheduled throughout the day. In Nice, the gathering is set for 10 a.m.

at the Rauba-Capèu war memorial, while Cannes holds its ceremony at the same hour at the Cannes-La Bocca war memorial. In Antibes, the event begins at 10:30 a.m.

in front of the City Hall, and in Cagnes-sur-Mer the tribute takes place at 11 a.m. on Place du Général-de-Gaulle.

Beyond the wreaths and official speeches, the transmission of this memory also takes place in classrooms and schoolyards. In Cannes, the president of the local veterans’ association, assisted by flag bearers, visits schools many times over the year and says he is particularly impressed by children’s interest in history.

“We try to take part in passing on the memory of the past to prepare the future of the men and women who served France and who want to share their knowledge, or what they did for France,” he explains.

Children ask him about his career and whether he fought in a war. He explains that he was a career military member in the French Air Force and took part in operations aboard an AWACS, a Boeing aircraft equipped with radar used to manage air battles over conflict zones.

“I did not carry a weapon in the air force. I supervised an air situation,” he says.

Children also expressed ambitions of their own. One dreams of becoming a professional footballer, while another says he would like to become a soldier “to defend the country.” The veteran encourages all vocations, whether medicine, teaching or military service.

Reflecting on criticism of young people, he says those who disparage them “have understood nothing. Youth is magnificent, it is the future of France.” He urges them to “stay yourselves and work for peace,” adding that they have everything they need to succeed in France.