French, German ambassadors reflect on cruelty of war during event commemorating WWI armistice
French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux, left, shakes hands with German Ambassador to Korea Georg Schmidt during a ceremony to mark the 105th Armistice Day signifying the end of World War I at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Embassy of France in Korea
To mark the signing of the armistice that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, and pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for France, the French Embassy in Korea conducted a solemn memorial and wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, Friday.
French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux delivered a poignant address on the occasion, reflecting on the profound cruelty of war and drawing parallels between historical sacrifices and contemporary challenges faced by the international community.
Ambassador Bertoux recalled the haunting moment of Nov. 11, 1918, when ceasefires went into effect along the entire front line, signifying the end of the Great War and acknowledging the staggering toll it took with nearly 10 million lives lost and over 20 million wounded or maimed.
"Every year, all the municipalities of France commemorate Nov. 11 with a double sentiment: Both relief after four years of a nightmare and mourning for all those soldiers whose names are inscribed on our thousands of monuments erected in memory of their sacrifice," Ambassador Bertoux said.
The 105th Armistice Day event was jointly led by Ambassador Bertoux and German Ambassador to Korea Georg Schmidt. Attendees included ambassadors, diplomats and military representatives from France, Korea and allied nations.
“Every second French man between 19 and 32 from 1914 did not live to see the end of the war. In Germany, 35 percent of all young men lost their lives,” said German Ambassador Schmidt. He expressed the significance of being together with the French ambassador and the attendees, highlighting the challenging cycle of hate and vengeance broken only after 1945, calling it a "priceless achievement."
Expressing gratitude to soldiers worldwide who fought in France and Europe, Ambassador Bertoux stated, "To all these combatants, we pay a national tribute and express our eternal gratitude."
A ceremony takes place to mark the 105th Armistice Day signifying the end of World War I at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Embassy of France in Korea
The remembrance extended to those who suffered during the 1950-53 Korean War, with Ambassador Bertoux acknowledging the sacrifices of young French and allied soldiers defending freedom under the United Nations flag.
"In the face of threats, no resignation, no indifference is possible," Ambassador Bertoux said, calling for international cooperation and a resolute response to contemporary challenges, emphasizing the importance of alliances based on shared principles and values.
"The last of the last wars, the war to end all wars does not exist. War is a reality in Europe today. Terrorism strikes again in a bloody manner," warned Ambassador Bertoux.
Stressing the fundamental importance of alliances and shared values in the pursuit of peace, Ambassador Bertoux said, "It is our duty to mobilize to bequeath to these young people a world where they will be free to live in peace."