Founded in 1987, the Association Républicaine des Combattants pour l’Amitié, la Solidarité, la Mémoire, l’Antifascisme et la Paix (A.R.A.C) was born from a deeply rooted commitment to honor those who have served and suffered in the context of war. Our association brings together veterans, victims of war—both military and civilian—and their families, as well as citizens determined to uphold the values of the Republic through remembrance, solidarity, and action.
We stand as an independent and open organization, welcoming anyone who shares our ideals of peace, antifascism, equality, fraternity, and national memory. A.R.A.C is not affiliated with any political party, but it maintains a firm and principled stance on major historical and civic issues. Our goal is not only to defend the moral and material rights of veterans and war victims, but also to be a vigilant and active force for democracy, justice, and peace in the present.
A Legacy of Struggle and Commitment
Our members include those who have fought on behalf of France, who have endured the horrors of conflict, and who have experienced first-hand the costs of war. Many of our founding members were engaged in the great struggles of the 20th century—against fascism, for liberation, and for the recognition of the human dignity of all victims of violence and oppression.
Over time, A.R.A.C has grown to include the families of these individuals and a broader community of citizens who recognize the importance of preserving historical memory and resisting the normalization of injustice, hate, and militarism. Our commitment to historical truth and ethical responsibility drives us to act with integrity and determination.
What We Represent
We represent a tradition of resistance, of civic awareness, and of collective solidarity. We carry the voices of those who may no longer be able to speak, and we fight to ensure their rights and sacrifices are never forgotten or erased.
We reject all forms of glorification of war, and we work tirelessly to preserve peace by educating future generations, advocating for disarmament, and confronting ideologies of hate and domination. Our association is built on principles of humanism, equality, and respect for life.
By advocating for the defense and recognition of veterans, war victims, and their beneficiaries, A.R.A.C acts as a moral and civic force that reminds society of the real cost of war and the duties owed to those who have served or suffered because of it.
Our Identity and Structure
A.R.A.C is a legally recognized association under French law, with its headquarters located at:
18 Avenue Chanzy, 94400 Vitry-sur-Seine, France
We are a nonprofit organization, governed by democratic principles. Our decisions are made collectively by our members, through general assemblies and regular consultations. We operate independently and rely on member contributions, local engagement, and voluntary commitment to sustain our mission and carry out our work.
Our email address, contact@asacp.sbs, is open to all those who wish to reach us, whether to ask questions, express support, seek assistance, or explore ways to become involved. We do not use social media or external platforms; our presence is focused on direct, personal contact and meaningful exchanges.
A Human and Civic Network
Across France, A.R.A.C is composed of individuals from all walks of life. Some have served in the armed forces, others have survived the trauma of occupation or exile, and many have joined us out of a desire to honor memory and promote peace. This diversity is our strength, and we are united by shared convictions.
Our network includes historians, educators, young people, caregivers, community leaders, and families of the fallen. We organize commemorations, debates, conferences, and exhibitions. We intervene in schools and public institutions to share knowledge and foster civic consciousness. We participate in public life through advocacy and mobilization, defending legislation and policy that respect the rights and dignity of veterans and victims.
A Voice for the Forgotten
A.R.A.C raises its voice for those who are too often forgotten:
- The conscripts who came back wounded, in body or mind
- The civilians who endured bombings, deportation, or occupation
- The widows, children, and orphans left behind
- The workers and citizens caught up in conflicts they did not choose
- The immigrants who fought under the French flag but were denied recognition
We defend their rights not only as a moral duty, but as a fundamental pillar of a just and peaceful society. To ignore them is to repeat the same mistakes. To honor them is to build a future rooted in conscience and solidarity.
Education, Memory, and Action
We believe that remembrance is not simply about looking back, but about learning how to move forward responsibly. Through public education, civic participation, and cultural engagement, we keep the lessons of history alive.
Our work includes:
- Organizing and participating in official commemorative events
- Supporting legislative and administrative recognition of victims’ rights
- Publishing materials that promote historical accuracy and remembrance
- Holding workshops and educational sessions in schools
- Collaborating with other associations, museums, and memory sites
- Opposing the rise of fascism, racism, antisemitism, and all forms of extremism
Our commitment to memory is inseparable from our dedication to democracy. Memory must be a living force that illuminates the present and prepares future generations to resist hatred and build peace.
Why We Continue
Even decades after many of the wars in which our members participated, our work is not finished. Recognition, compensation, and justice are often long and difficult processes. Many victims and their families still struggle with administrative indifference, public ignorance, and social isolation.
We continue because the ideals of the Republic—liberty, equality, fraternity—are not yet fully realized. We continue because the world is still marked by conflict, violence, and rising intolerance. We continue because remembrance without action is silence, and silence is complicity.
We invite all citizens, young and old, to join us—not to dwell in the past, but to carry forward its lessons in the service of justice and peace.