This book, or rather this work, as it is the fruit of a collective effort, is a wonderful almanac of the capital of lemons, the Pearl of France, and this during the First World War.
During its presentation in the municipal council hall, Mr. Deputy Mayor Jean Claude Guibal had difficulty finishing his speech, too moved by the importance and the duty of remembrance towards the sons of Menton who gave their lives for freedom, justice, and the grandeur of France. His speech highlighted the necessity of a solidarity that no longer exists, as individualism is the rule today with everyone for himself.
Mr. Deputy Mayor noted the suicide of Europe in this confrontation between the two major powers of the continent: France and Germany, the very short span of the 20th century, born with this war whose centenary is being celebrated and dying with the second world conflict.
Menton, at the end of France, its pearl as the poet said, could have found itself on the front line if the Latin sister decided to follow its ally Germany in declaring war on its neighbor. Italy was initially neutral before joining the camp of democracies by going to war against the Central Powers, Germany and Austria.
This work, a collective endeavor with François Rosso and Valérie Rondelli-Renoux as the main contributors, evokes all this history, four years of fire and blood, four years of tending to and welcoming the wounded heroes, a large number of whom sadly succumbed.
Menton, although ultimately far from the frontline, will have its pages of glory in this war. The hotels became hospitals, as Jean Claude Volpi elaborated in numerous conferences. The most seriously injured came here, if not to regain their health, at least to soften their agonies and sufferings.
The Trabuquet cemetery bears witness with its section of Senegalese riflemen, whose price of blood paid to France Leopold Sédar Senghor would recall.
This work is a valuable tool for historians, for lovers of history, for those passionate about the knowledge of their roots. “Indeed, we will forget…” said Roland Dorgelès in the Wooden Crosses. This work seeks to prove otherwise; we must not forget this war, we must not forget its horror, for war is, indeed, a horror.
Menton 1914-1918 Local Chronicle of a World War is here to remind us of the sacrifice of our ancestors so that we may be free and French. It is more than a duty to acquire this book; it is a tribute and a modest thank you to those who fell a century ago to defend civilization and freedom.
Thierry Jan
