A day to remember. The law of April 14, 1954 instituted the last Sunday in April to commemorate the victims of deportation and those who died in the concentration camps of the Third Reich during the 1939-1945 war.
This date was chosen because of its proximity to the anniversary of the liberation of most of the camps, and because it did not coincide with any other celebration.
On this date, a national ceremony is held, under the authority of the Minister for Veterans and Remembrance, at a place of remembrance linked to the Deportation. In each département, the Office national des combattants et victimes de guerre (ONACVG), an agency of the Ministry of the Armed Forces, also organizes a remembrance ceremony, under the authority of the prefect. Every mayor is invited to organize a similar ceremony in his or her commune. On this occasion, a message from the Minister for Veterans and Remembrance is read out. Public buildings are decked out in flags.
Raising awareness among schoolchildren
Schools play an essential role in transmitting history and remembrance to primary and secondary school pupils. In addition to the lessons taught in class, in accordance with the syllabus, particularly in history-geography and moral and civic education, at school, collège and lycée, there are commemorative days, visits to places of remembrance and educational actions.
The Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Deportation raises awareness in schools of the world of internment and deportation. Educational initiatives can be undertaken to inform and encourage students to ask questions, in conjunction with foundations and remembrance associations.
