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Réunion Libération et Journées Mémoires du Plateau (juin 2004)

Translation of  invitation letter from Francis Valla,
Mayor of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon

We are especially happy to be able to announce to you that on June 11-13, 2004 will take place in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon the Journées Mémoires du Plateau [JMP]  At the heart of these days will be the coming together of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, the neighboring villages, and those who became residents of Le Chambon or Le Mazet-Saint-Voy or other nearby villages in order to escape Nazi and Vichy persecution.

This reunion will be marked by recollections and exchanges, information and events.  It will unfold in a spirit of simplicity and conviviality.  These days will also constitute an opportunity for the young generations to discover this little corner of France and its singular history during the Second World War.

The JMP will be held under the auspices of His Excellency Nissim Zvili, Israeli Ambassador to France.  The events are organized by the municipality of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and the Chambon Foundation/Amis du Chambon, with the support of the Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Shoah.

We have the pleasure of sharing with you key parts of the program.
 

Friday, June 11, 2004

In the morning, we will discover together the “Itinerary of Memory,” in the center of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon.  From site to site, participants in those times will recall what they experienced there.

The official opening of the JMP will be held in the afternoon.  His Excellency Nissim Zvili will preside, in the presence of notables, visitors and villagers.
 

Saturday, June 12, 2004

The morning will be dedicated to “villages of rescue”.  Information and experience will be shared in the presence of representatives of other villages where rescue occurred.

In the afternoon, we will pay tribute to organizations who worked in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and on the Plateau during the Occupation.  In particular and in their presence, we will pay tribute to two men, an American and a Swiss, who contributed to the action of the area during that time: Tracy Strong, then with the European Student Relief Fund—who “created” the Maison des Roches—and Auguste Bohny, who opened and ran the children’s homes of the Secours Suisse aux Enfants.

Everyone will be invited to participate in the discussion that will follow.  In the evening, a musical program will be proposed to you, about which we will say nothing more.
 

Sunday, June 13, 2004

In the morning, the focus will be on Resistance and Liberation in the area of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon.  We will pay special attention to the armed Resistance and to the Jewish maquis, in the presence of participants in those events.

The afternoon will be a good time to visit several exhibits that will be set up in the village.

P.S.  We greatly wish to address this letter to all those [who have a connection with that time and this area] who would like to participate in the JMP.  Unfortunately, we don’t have all the necessary addresses.  Thus, we take the liberty of seeking your help.  Please pass on this information to those who will be pleased to receive it.  We thank you in advance.

We would be happy to welcome you during your visit to Le Chambon-sur-Lignon on the occasion of the JMP.  Please come!

Mr. Gérard Bollon, first deputy of Le Chambon sur-Lignon, and
Mr. Pierre Sauvage, president of the Chambon Foundation/Amis du Chambon
join with me in expressing to you our very cordial greetings.

                                                                                             Signed: Francis Valla, Mayor of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon

Original invitation letter (in French) from Francis Valla, Mayor of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon:

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