Jun 18
During the Second World War, which French leader appealed to its people to rally in support of the Resistance?
At the French military school of Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan in Brittany, a striking monument commemorates the call to resistance issued by General Charles de Gaulle on 18 June 1940. De Gaulle's BBC-broadcasted speech became a rallying point for the Free French, challenging the armistice announced by Marshal Pétain and inspiring new waves of resistance both inside and outside France. The monument, designed by Pierre-André Dufetel and unveiled in 1995, features a flame-shaped sword and the Lorraine Cross, symbolizing the enduring spirit of defiance ignited by de Gaulle’s words. On the 85th anniversary in 2025, visitors reflect on how a single wartime broadcast reshaped French history and forged a legacy honored by generations of cadets and citizens alike.
