Pas-de-Calais: When a gendarme funds a memorial

Willy Breton is a Chief Sergeant in the Fréthun brigade in the Pas-de-Calais. Having joined the Gendarmerie in 1984, he has, amongst other things, taken part in overseas operations in Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. It was during this most recent overseas operation, whilst carrying out his duties, that he was tasked with escorting the remains of a French soldier killed in action. He was deeply moved by the tribute paid by all the military personnel as the remains passed by. On his return to France, he decided to launch a fundraising campaign to finance a memorial in honour of all military personnel who had died in action whilst serving with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). He did indeed launch a fundraising campaign, but it did not have the desired effect; however, refusing to give up, he committed his personal savings intended for his retirement, amounting to €25,000. This double stele bears the flags of the 28 NATO member countries and was unveiled in February 2012. Every year in September, a ceremony brings together several hundred people in front of the memorial.