"The Brave," French sculptress Anilore Banon's magnificent tribute to Americans who landed on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. The sculpture rises from the waves at St. Laurent-sur-Mer, Normandy.
Where fallen soldiers' bodies once stained the water red with blood, seven stainless steel columns emerge from the sea. A group of five columns curves upwards, like soldiers struggling to stand. Two columns extend upright, with the tallest soaring 30 feet high. Steel wings beckon to either side. Their gleaming reflective surface celebrates the sea, sand and soft muted light of Normandy.
Speaking prior to D-Day 60th-Anniversary dedication ceremonies in June 2004, sculptor Anilore Banon said her intent was that the columns represent "energy coming out of the sand, standing up straight." She said the "sacrifice and courage" of young American soldiers allowed us all to stand. It was the force of their will that three generations later we still have with us," Baron remarked.
Banon said she was affected deeply by childhood visits in the 1960s to the D-Day landing sites. Her concern that French children today should continue to appreciate the Americans' sacrifice inspired her to create the sculpture. "I want to remember that the soldiers died, of course," says Banon. "But I want to remember what they died for. And I want the ones who survived to see that after all these years, we are still free, and we are remembering."
The dedication plaque for Banon's "Les Braves" sculpture contains a poignant message: "The memorial consists of three elements: The Wings of Hope, so that the spirit which carried these men on June 6, 1944 continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always possible to change the future." "Rise Freedom!" the inscription continues, "so that the example of those who rose against barbarity helps us remain standing strong against all forms of inhumanity." The inscription describes the third element as "The Wings of Fraternity, so that this surge of brotherhood always reminds us of our responsibility towards others, as well as ourselves. On June 6, 1944 these men were more than soldiers, they were our brothers."
The memorial was funded by Jean-Paul Delorme, whose family founded Air Liquide. Delorme offered his assistance after reading a newspaper article about Banon's struggle to secure financial backing. Delorme paid all expenses as 25 workers in Cherbourg constructed the massive columns. When a strike at the factory threatened to halt production, the workers pledged to finish the work.
I just returned from a trip to France in early January. When I saw the sculpture "Les Braves" and read the words beside it, it was the only moment on my trip that I got choked up. All the war remembrance sites are moving, but this one- I suppose because a French citizen created it- affected me the most. And I loved it.
Posted by: Rusty Stroupe | 18 January 2007 at 04:42
masterful, I cannot wait to see it!
Posted by: Tongue in Cheek | 14 April 2006 at 20:30
wow - that is an amazing sculpture; I hadnt seen that one before. I like how sharp and dangerous it looks; almost unable to get past the row. So much pain and rage I think. Very sad. All the sculptures and walls... you would think we would stop doing war. Can it really be that difficult? Sigh.
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 14 April 2006 at 05:01
I have never seen this or even heard of it before. How very moving..While I know we can't always be in a state of remembering the past, I do feel like maybe there should be a minute or five of every day set aside to remember the fallen brave who gave up their one and only precious lives for what they believed in, for doing the right thing. In a society today which is so lacking in integrity, this is a lovely post to remind me. Thank you!
Posted by: Alex | 13 April 2006 at 19:38
... and now I understand the britishness of your writing... honour and not honor, etc... I was wondering about it but then read more about you. You have a very interesting life! I love it when I meet people like you. I have been working everywhere, also in Mandela's South Africa. That was a very interesting 2 years.
Have a great day there -
Ann Marie
Posted by: Ann Marie Simard | 13 April 2006 at 18:07
Hi Tara - nice to read you again! I am glad you liked my culture-shift post. You know this reality.
I love your post... Always so thoughtful with a great sense of aesthetics. The picture is great in what it reflects of silent glory and sense of loss and - then - peaceful.
Take care!
Ann Marie
Posted by: Ann Marie Simard | 13 April 2006 at 18:02