Reinstallation in Dixmude of the commemorative plaque in the Breton language in honor of the Breton marine fusiliers: things are progressing.

Things are progressing for the reinstatement of the commemorative plaque in the Breton language in Dixmude. Koun Breizh was able to meet with the Mayor of Dixmude, thanks to the mayor of Ploemeur, Ronan LOAS, whom we thank.

At the invitation of the mayor of Ploemeur Ronan LOAS, a delegation from Koun Breizh composed of Hubert ULVE and Patrick LE GUERN was present for the celebration of the anniversary of the twinning between his municipality and Dixmude on Saturday, May 16.

The discussion focused on the reinstatement of the plaque written in the Breton language in memory of our Breton soldiers, which Koun Breizh had requested from the mayor of Dixmude over a year ago.

We were able to exchange views with the various stakeholders and were pleased to hear that things are progressing in the right direction.

The establishment of a commemorative plaque must be subject to a decision by the municipal council of Dixmude, which was not the case during the installation of the plaque in 2006.

We noted that the indicators are positive. The mayor of Ploemeur clearly mentioned this in his speech.

While it is not our place to anticipate the decision that will be made by the municipality of Dixmude, discussions continue between the two municipalities, and the plaque could be reinstated during the next twinning ceremony in Dixmude.

Koun Breizh stands ready, if necessary, to finance the new commemorative plaque and sincerely thanks Mayor Ronan LOAS of Ploemeur as well as Mayor Koen COUPILLIE of Dixmude for their efforts in memory of our soldiers who died on the front under the orders of Admiral Ronarc’h.

It is remembered that the 6,600 maritime recruits assigned to the brigade of marine riflemen commanded by Admiral Ronarc’h were mostly Breton and spoke the language of their parents, Breton. Facing the Germans who were five times more numerous and alongside the Belgian allies, they held the objectives assigned to them, and well beyond. Nearly half of them died in combat. Their courage has become legendary.

This plaque mentioned in Breton “Enor d'ar Vretoned marv e Diksmuide evit ar frankiz d'ar 16 a viz Du 1914” (Honor to the Bretons who died in Dixmude for freedom on November 16, 1914).

It is with great pride and emotion that we will see it regain its place.

For Koun Breizh

Yvon Ollivier