Barely five months. Five months since Dominique Bernard, much appreciated history teacher at the Gambetta high school in Arras, left us, tragically assassinated by an Islamist terrorist on October 13, 2023. Since then, tributes have been coming for him and the other victims of terrorism in France. But none has yet reached the symbolism of the one which will be held this Monday March 11, 2024 at the Citadel of Arras. Here is practical information for attending.
A major first since its creation in 2020, the ceremony honoring the victims of terrorist attacks will be relocated to Arras. A significant change which will be punctuated by a major trip by Gabriel Attal and several of his ministers to Pas-de-Calais. The ceremony will take place in several stages, with discussions sometimes held in private. Where and when to travel to attend the tributes, here are the 3 things to know to attend the ceremony this Monday March 11, 2024.
A first part behind closed doors at Gambetta high school
Not everyone will be able to attend the ceremony. Most of the morning will be played behind closed doors. From 8:30 a.m., at the Gambetta high school, only Gabriel Attal and Dominique Bernard’s students will be present who will discuss with the Prime Minister. Around 9 a.m., he will also devote time to the four people involved in the attack, Jacques Davoli, David Verhaeghe, Christian Berroyer and the high school principal, Frédéric Vieban.
After an hour, these discussions will be followed by a first speech by Gabriel Attal.
Neither the public nor the press are accepted in the school.
Is the national ceremony at the Citadel open to everyone?
The second part of the morning will also be limited in number, 600 guests are expected at the Citadel of Arras from 10:30 a.m. You only enter by invitation. Among the guests, relatives of victims of terrorism but also ministers including Gérald Darmanin, Eric Dupont-Moretti, Nicole Belloubet, Stanislas Guerini, Sarah El Hairy and Patricia Miralles who will be joined by local elected officials.
The president of the republic will be absent.
The tribute is structured around readings of texts in memory of the two professors murdered by terrorists, Dominique Bernard and Samuel Paty. Teachers and students should participate.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal should conclude with a speech lasting around twenty minutes, before signing the Guest Book. Finally a “memorial gesture” of which we do not know the nature is announced.
This ceremony is of a national nature, it has taken place since its creation in 2020 at Les Invalides. This relocation to Arras will remain a “first”.
>>> Also read: The ceremony honoring the victims of terrorism will not take place in Paris: “the fact that it is taking place in Arras is full of meaning”
A third session open to all at 5:30 p.m.
A third phase “for all” is planned at the initiative of the city of Arras. If you wish to reflect, the Arras Town Hall is offering a meeting time at the foot of the Belfry plaque erected in tribute to the victims of terrorism in 2015. The meditation scheduled for 5:30 p.m. will take place at Place des Héros, in the presence of Mayor Frédéric Leturque and the prefect of Pas-de-Calais.
After the morning ceremony, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal will travel to Pas-de-Calais to visit the scene of the floods which devastated the department.