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Gabriel Péri (1902 - 1941) was killed by the Nazis during WWII
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PARIS (EJP)--- An exhibition in Paris shows a collection of farewell letters written by a members of the French resistance during WWII to close relations before being executed.
The museum exhibits a selection of 130 farewell letters, last words of those condemned to death during the Second World War.
There were thousands – both famous and anonymous, shot to death or executed by capital punishment – of victims of the Nazi and Vichy regime between 1941 and 1944.
While waiting of death, they address their last words to their family and loved ones. They speak for thousands of others who were massacred, deported or summarily executed without having a chance to say their goodbyes.
Tenacity and courage
In the letters one sees strong determination, a belief in their cause. These men have no regrets and tirelessly their love for those who will be left behind. They express worries about the future of their loved ones as well: what will their wives live off, will their children study well, will they be successful?
“My dearest Suzanne, It is for you that I am anxious. To leave you alone, without support, you and my darling Marcel, who breaks my heart. It’s your pain I feel” (Maurice Pillet to his wife Suzanne, 15 December 1941)
Léon Jost, Gabriel Péri, Henri Bajtsztock, Guy Môquet, René Bompain, Louis Honoré d’Estienne d’Orves, Tony Bloncourt… some of the names of the thousands of resistants, both famous and anonymous.
“I’m sure you will understand me, dear Mum and Dad, and that you do not blame me". (Tony Bloncourt to his parents, 9 March 1942)
They write about philosophy, faith, sacrifice and they defy death. Often, they surprise. Fertet, a young boy shot in Besancon, distributes books and tin soldiers. Beck, a Polish Communist, speaks about his garden. A few hours before their death, these fighters for freedom provide an unforgettable lesson of tenacity, courage and dignity.
“Kiss our son who will have a more beautiful life than me” (Eric Texier to his wife, September 17, 1941),
“Your husband will fall with his proud face, a solid heart, trusting in the future happiness that will reign over the world.” (Jean Poulmarch' to his wife, 22 October 1941).
Risking lives
These letters were sometimes censured, sometimes transmitted to their recipients by the official way, often also passed by on French and German priests, prison wardens and lawyers who all acted with a risk to their own lives.
These letters constitute a portrait of the resistance and show the ideologies and final concerns of men who faced their destiny with courage.
Created by the museum of the National Resistance in Champigny-on-Marne, this exhibition, was adapted in Lyon by the Centre of History.
The exhibition is set up in the courtyard of Paris’ Museum of Resistance. The museum also organises guided tours by the next of kin of the letters’ recipients.
Musée De La Résistance Nationale, tel : 00 33 1 48 81 53 78. Until 6 October 2006.
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