The pantheonization of Marc Bloch serves as a significant recognition of the contributions of intellectuals to the resistance movement during World War II, highlighting the intersection of academia and activism.
The commemoration of the 'Malgré-nous' reflects ongoing efforts to confront and acknowledge complex historical narratives that have been overlooked or stigmatized in French memory.
Macron's actions indicate a broader commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering a more inclusive remembrance of France's wartime past.
On November 23, 2024, Emmanuel Macron commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Strasbourg from Nazi occupation with a military ceremony at Place Broglie. During the event, he announced the upcoming pantheonization of Marc Bloch, a renowned historian and resistance fighter, recognizing his contributions to historical research and his bravery during World War II.
Marc Bloch, who was arrested by the Gestapo in 1944 and executed shortly thereafter, is celebrated for his work in medieval history and for co-founding the influential journal 'Annales d'histoire économique et sociale'. His legacy is marked by his commitment to integrating various disciplines into historical research, which has had a lasting impact on the field.
The ceremony included a tribute to General Leclerc and the Second Armored Division, who liberated Strasbourg on this day in 1944. Macron emphasized the importance of remembering the Alsatian resistance and the tragic history of the 'Malgré-nous', Alsatians and Mosellans who were forcibly conscripted into the Nazi army during the war.
Following the ceremony, Macron visited the Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp, the only Nazi camp built on French soil, where he honored the memory of the victims and acknowledged the complex history of Alsace-Moselle, a region that has oscillated between French and German control.
