Alsace: young volunteers do their universal national service

National anthem, uniform and raising of colors: at Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)the universal national service takes up some codes from its ancestor. This morning, however, it is not a weapon, but a stretcher, that the young people have in hand. During a walk in the forest, they must pay attention to roots and rocks, so as not to endanger the person on the stretcher. The exercise is conducted by gendarmes.

As in the army, universal national service serves to develop esprit de corps and solidarity. But the education provided, which explores ecology, rights or civics, aims above all to train citizens. After spending 12 days away from their homes, the students who participate in this universal national service seem conquered. However, the idea of ​​seeing it become compulsory does not convince everyone.