I just read on Facebook the dismay of a former platoon leader who "dared"—poor fellow!—to politely offer his opinion on another veteran's page about a general highly regarded by that veteran. He was immediately insulted, harassed, and then blocked, without even being given the right to reply. A fine display of open-mindedness toward a fellow legionnaire who served under the general in question, while the one who was crying out like a startled virgin was already retired… and undoubtedly less entitled to give his opinion. The triennial congress of the FSALE and its affiliated associations was held this summer at the 4th Foreign Regiment, the Legion's philosophical crucible, where the common herd who had the courage to "walk through the door" is transformed into a legionnaire. Then, within his future regiment, he becomes a seasoned soldier, hardened daily by demanding training that prepares him for the toughest battles.
Then comes the return to civilian life. A new world opens up to him, and he can, if he wishes, join an association of former legionnaires.
We are full-fledged officers, drawn from the ranks, volunteering as legionnaires and selected from within the Legion itself. In short, "home-grown" officers, deemed reliable. Since its creation in 1831, the Legion has had to appoint Off-TEs. In 1832, experience showed that selection by rank was effective. This tradition continues to this day. Our existence has, among other benefits: allowed young legionnaires to find someone who speaks their language, and offered the most ambitious the hope of a career based on merit.
What I learn from my illustrious elders, these old legionnaires, discreet and modest in light of their military experience, is the need they feel for what they call "prioritizing the Brotherhood." This intimate and vital need to give meaning to what they have experienced and to what we are experiencing. Especially when we are confronted, and this is increasingly the case in our contemporary world, with absurd and difficult-to-accept situations.
First and foremost, this text is not intended to fuel controversy or challenge institutional decisions regarding the symbols of the Foreign Legion. It is intended, above all, as a historical and memorial reflection on an emblem that, over the decades, has acquired a symbolic significance far beyond its simple uniform. The green beret is a powerful marker of identity, tradition, and sacrifice. Evoking its history means evoking the journey of generations of legionnaires, both French and foreign, who have contributed to building its legend. This is therefore not about judging contemporary usage, but rather about recalling the profound meaning and origins of this symbol, forged through hardship and combat.
The anniversary of the end of the First World War is coming up. November 11, 1918. On that day, the armistice was signed at 5:15 a.m., marking the Allied victory and the total defeat of Germany. In fact, the "ceasefire" took effect at 11:00 a.m., prompting peals of bells and ringing throughout France, announcing to the population the end of the war that left more than 8 million dead, disabled, and maimed.
This year, our association once again participated in the 83rd anniversary of the deportation convoys from the Milles camp to Auschwitz, presented as a "duty to remember." But what does this expression, often heard during ceremonies on July 14, November 11, or at Camerone, really mean? Are they right to speak of a "duty to remember"?
How many people are there who consider themselves unimportant, who hope to rise in the social ladder and are crushed by communities that won't give them the slightest chance? This woman had left such a vague impression that no one even remembered her name in the community where she had stayed as a legionnaire's companion. Read more...
The Glory of France
Director of the Foreign Legion's Institution for the Disabled in Puyloubier, my duties required me to make numerous visits to the various workshops. During one of these visits, I visited my friend Louis, who was the head of the ceramics workshop... Read more...
For our elders
The LÉGION ARTS association website officially opens today. Légion’Arts Éditions specializes in the creation, promotion, and distribution of books, comics, and graphic novels dedicated to the Foreign Legion. Read more...
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