Civil and military dignitaries, including Mr. Clément Frézet, Sub-Prefect of the Mirande district, Mr. Bernard Dorey, Mayor of Mirande, Ms. Séverine Carchon, Regional Councilor of Occitanie, Mr. Francis Dupouey, Departmental Councilor of Gers, and Mr. Antoine Mendes, President of the Community of Communes Cœur d’Astarac en Gascogne, gathered at Place Paul Noulens. They were joined by elected officials, veterans, flag bearers, representatives from the gendarmerie and SDIS, as well as the representative of the National Order of Merit of Gers.
Following an initial laying of wreaths at the 1870 monument, the assembly proceeded to the War Memorial. A choir from the schools, guided by their teachers and accompanied by the Mirande philharmonic orchestra under the direction of Max Fouga, awaited them. An honor guard from the 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment of Tarbes reinforced the solemnity of the commemoration, observed by a large and solemn audience.
Letters from soldiers addressed to their families were beautifully read by children from public and private schools, as well as by young people from the college.
Mr. the Sub-Prefect read the message from Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans, and Alice Rufo, Minister Delegate. This message recalled the significance of the commemoration, 108 years after the 1918 armistice, paying tribute to the millions of soldiers who died for France and all generations of military personnel fallen since, while emphasizing the importance of transmitting their memory. It also touched upon current conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, reaffirming France's commitment to freedom and the defense of its allies. Finally, it called on younger generations to embrace and keep this heritage alive.
After the laying of wreaths, the choir enthusiastically and determinedly performed two songs, the Chant des Partisans and Ma liberté, followed by the Marseillaise, undoubtedly touching the attendees.
The ceremony continued within the Laubadère barracks, where a final wreath was laid by the Mayor and the Regional Councilor in front of the memorial plaque, dedicated to the 88th R.I., 288th R.I., and 135th R.I.T., in homage to the soldiers of these regiments.
The strong mobilization of residents and the active participation of younger generations fully illustrated the importance of the duty of remembrance and its transmission, marking a beautiful collective tribute placed under the sign of memory, respect, and gathering.
