Some remember Marcel Berthomé the footballer, others remember his commitment during the Second World War or the Indochina War, still others remember especially Marcel Berthomé, dean of the mayors of France until 2020, after 49 years and eight terms at the head of the town hall of Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle.
To celebrate his 100th birthday this Monday, April 4, Marcel Berthomé was treated to a military and civil ceremony in his native village of Saint-Médard-de-Guizières, retracing his extraordinary journey. 150 people came to pay tribute to him: many soldiers, veterans, elected officials, friends, his family of course, but also dozens of college students. “It’s a day that we think about several days in advance. And finally, it’s a very legitimate emotion”emphasizes Marcel Berthomé.
– Solene de Larquier
A ceremony that traces a life dedicated to others
Three commitments mark his life: the army, politics and football. During the ceremony, the notes of La Marseillaise are followed by British and American anthems, but also the melody of the bagpipes. A reference to his many missions, in particular his engagement in the Royal Air Force when France capitulated in 1940. Marcel Berthomé would later receive the Legion of Honor, one of the 25 medals pinned to his suit. Many representatives of the army are also present, like Colonel Ludovic Louriou who commands the air base 106 Bordeaux-Mérignac. “I think that in all respects, Mr. Berthomé is a reference for all of us. He is someone who is committed to others and it seems to me that today, in the world in which we live, we need altruistic people” salutes the colonel who returned a man supported at the centenary during a speech. The consul of the United States, Alexander Lipscomb, the mayor of Libourne, Philippe Buisson, or the mayor of Saint-Médard-de-Guizières, Mireille Conte-Jaubert, did the same.
– Solene de Larquier
He is someone who is committed to others and it seems to me that today, in the world in which we live, we need altruistic people.
His relatives are present. “It’s a very moving ceremony that he deserves”believes his wife Yolande Berthomé. “He gave a lot for everything he did. Both in his military life and in his public life and for sport”adds the one who has been present without fail at his side for 62 years. It is to the commune of Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle that Marcel Berthomé devoted almost 50 years of his life. In 1971, he became mayor. Seven more terms would follow until his defeat in 2020 when he was France’s oldest active mayor.
Football is another important part of his life. He also became a player, then captain and then president of the town’s football club.. “The rise of AS Saint-Seurin in the second division, a small village of 2000 inhabitants, you have to do it! Like everything you do, the goal you aim for must be as high as possible”, insists Marcel Berthomé. For three seasons, from 1989 to 1992, he had a certain Jean-Marc Furlan under his command. The current coach of AJ Auxerre made the trip for his friend’s hundredth birthday. “When Bordeaux and Lens came, I can tell you that they were very afraid to play against us”he recalls.
– Document of the exhibition
– Solene de Larquier
Memories to pass on to younger generations
Since he is no longer mayor, Marcel Berthomé has more time for his family. He also wrote his memoirs. “We push him a bit to do it even if he didn’t want too much. For us, it’s important to know all his past and to bequeath it to the grandchildren afterwards”, says his daughter, Anne Berthomé. Its history, the centenary retraces it implicitly during a 20-minute speech without any notes. “It’s impressive for a 100-year-old to be so good. He tells everything with ease and doesn’t stop, without a note… We wouldn’t be able to do it ourselves!” notes Naomie, a schoolgirl who came to read with her classmates a tribute to the star of the day. They chose to salute his military commitment: “It is thanks to a person like him that France is a free country today” concludes Naomi.
– Solene de Larquier
In his memoirs, Marcel Berthomé may reveal the secrets of his longevity. “Above all, you have to stay away from the disease and have an active life”already confides the dashing centenarian.