Commemoration Day and Veterans’ Stories
Date: June 14, 2025
Location: A.R.A.C Headquarters, 18 Avenue Chanzy, Vitry-sur-Seine
Event Description:
On June 14, 2025, the Association Républicaine des Combattants (A.R.A.C) will host a special Commemoration Day dedicated to honoring veterans and sharing the powerful stories of those who have served. This event aims to reaffirm the memory of sacrifices made and to deepen public understanding of the personal experiences behind historical events.
The program begins at 10:00 AM with a welcoming address by the President of A.R.A.C, who will set the tone for the day by highlighting the importance of memory and solidarity. Following this, attendees will participate in a moment of silence to honor fallen heroes and victims of war.
From 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, a series of veterans will share firsthand accounts of their experiences during various conflicts, including military operations and civilian hardships during wartime. These personal narratives will be accompanied by photographs, letters, and artifacts displayed in a small exhibition within the premises.
A lunch break will follow from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, where attendees can meet informally and discuss the morning’s sessions.
The afternoon program, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, will feature a workshop focused on oral history techniques. Attendees will learn how to document and preserve veterans’ stories, including best practices for interviews and recording memories. This session is open to family members of veterans, local historians, and community members interested in heritage preservation.
At 4:00 PM, a panel discussion will bring together historians, veterans, and association members to reflect on the significance of memory in building peace and justice. The event will close with a collective reading of letters and poems written by veterans, emphasizing solidarity and hope.
Throughout the day, light refreshments will be available, and informational brochures about A.R.A.C’s ongoing projects will be provided. The event is free and open to the public, inviting all to participate in a day dedicated to remembrance, respect, and education.