Emmanuel Macron made history on April 16, 2024, as the first French president to preside over a commemoration ceremony in Vassieux-en-Vercors, honoring the 73 villagers massacred by the Wehrmacht in July 1944. This village in the Drôme region was a stronghold of the French Resistance during World War II, and the president continued the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the free world over Nazism.
Previous French presidents, including Charles de Gaulle, François Mitterrand, Nicolas Sarkozy, and François Hollande, had visited Vercors for various events, but the significance of Macron’s presence in Vassieux was considered essential, given the tragic history of the village. The president’s visit was seen as a gesture of respect for the families who lost loved ones in the war and a reminder of the sacrifices made by the villagers during the occupation.
During the ceremony, the names of the 73 victims, ranging from 18 months to 91 years old, were read aloud by young students, highlighting the impact of the tragedy on every family in the village. The mayor, Thomas Ottenheimer, emphasized that the victims were targeted for resisting the occupation or supporting resistance fighters. The president’s presence at the commemoration was seen as a solemn tribute to their memory and a recognition of their sacrifice.
The history of the Vercors maquis dates back to 1942 when writers Pierre Dalloz and Jean Prévost conceived the idea of establishing a resistance stronghold in the natural fortress of Vercors. De Gaulle supported the initiative, and the plateau became a refuge for those who refused to collaborate with the Vichy regime or sought to escape persecution. The president highlighted the moral dilemma faced by the early Resistance fighters: resist or collaborate with the enemy.
The residents of Vassieux played an essential role in supporting the resistance efforts, often unaware of the risks they faced. The sense of mutual support and solidarity in the Vercors plateau allowed individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together for a common cause. Macron condemned the actions of the French collaborators who betrayed their country by joining the forces of Vichy and participating in the repression of the Resistance fighters in Vercors.
In his speech, Macron emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the Vercors massacre as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war. The president’s presence at the commemoration ceremony was seen as a symbolic gesture of paying homage to the victims and honoring their legacy of resistance against oppression. The event marked a significant moment in French history and served as a tribute to the resilience and courage of the villagers who stood up against tyranny during one of the darkest periods of the war.
