11 November. Did you know ?
11 November, yesterday and today
In France, 11 November is the day on which victory and peace are commemorated, and tribute paid to all of France’s fallen.
In the aftermath of the First World War, Prince Albert I, a fervent pacifist, commented bitterly on the damage caused by the Germans at his Marchais estate, and condemned Wilhelm II’s policy in several of his writings. He always advocated internationalism as a means of bringing nations together. This tirelessly repeated ideal found expression, among other things, in the organisation of a congress in Monaco in 1920, and in the Prince’s speech on the Oceans, which he gave in Washington in 1921. His humanism also led him to get involved in charity events in Paris, particularly in aid of child victims of war.
In Monaco, 11 November is close to the celebration of Saint Albert on 15 November. On this occasion, in 1919, the Minister of State, Raymond Le Bourdon (Prince Albert’s final Minister of State) gave a speech that is relevant today. You can read it here: https://journaldemonaco.gouv.mc/Journaux/1919/Journal-3220