Commemorating 80 Years of Strasbourg’s WWII Liberation: The Story of the Lorentz Flag
On November 23, 2024, Strasbourg marked the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation. During the event, the blue-white-red flag was raised atop the cathedral. This act re-enacted the courageous ascent by Maurice Lebrun, a soldier from the Second Armored Division, who climbed the 142-meter spire in 1944 while bullets flew around him. Lebrun passed away in 2009, but the flag he raised is now displayed in the city history museum.
The hand-sewn flag measures 2.70 meters. Its blue fabric is slightly faded, the white center features a Lorraine cross, and the red was cut from a Nazi flag. This makeshift standard was created by a local butcher, Emilienne Lorentz, with the encouragement of spahis from the 1st Moroccan Spahi regiment. Jean-Paul Michel, president of the division’s alumni group, expressed his joy in seeing this important artifact again, alongside the black pennant that represents the “Sahariana di Cufra” company, which fought in Libya in 1941. Both items became part of the museum’s collection in 2006.
General Leclerc, a key figure in the liberation of Alsace, led the capture of the Koufra oasis in Libya in 1941. He famously vowed that the French flag would fly again over Strasbourg Cathedral.
What role does the Second Armored Division alumni group play in preserving the history of Strasbourg’s liberation?
Interview with Jean-Paul Michel, President of the Second Armored Division Alumni Group
In light of the recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Strasbourg’s liberation from Nazi occupation, we spoke with Jean-Paul Michel, the president of the Second Armored Division alumni group, about the significance of this event and the artifacts on display at the city history museum.
News Directory 3: Mr. Michel, it’s been 80 years since Strasbourg was liberated. How did the city commemorate this significant milestone?
Jean-Paul Michel: The city organized a memorable ceremony on November 23, 2024, marking the occasion with a reenactment of the courageous act performed by Maurice Lebrun during the liberation. The blue-white-red flag was raised atop the cathedral, just as he did in 1944 when he climbed the spire under heavy gunfire. It was a poignant moment that rekindled the spirit of resilience that defined our history.
News Directory 3: Can you tell us more about the flag and its historical context?
Jean-Paul Michel: The flag is a remarkable artifact—it measures 2.70 meters, with a slightly faded blue fabric, a white center featuring a Lorraine cross, and the red section cut from a Nazi flag. It was created by Emilienne Lorentz, a local butcher, who was inspired by the spahis of the 1st Moroccan Spahi regiment. This makeshift standard represents the unity and determination of those who fought for liberation.
News Directory 3: What do you feel is the importance of the flag and the black pennant in preserving local history?
Jean-Paul Michel: These artifacts are invaluable. They symbolize not only the victory of the Free French Army but also the broader struggle for freedom and dignity. They helped solidify General de Gaulle’s credibility as a leader in the resistance. The fact that they are now part of the museum’s collection ensures that future generations will remember and understand the sacrifices made during the war.
News Directory 3: The curator mentioned the fragile condition of the artifacts. What measures are in place to preserve them?
Jean-Paul Michel: Yes, the museum curator, Sylviane Hatterer, highlighted the fragile nature of the flag and pennant. We are hopeful that with proper conservation techniques, these items can be preserved for future displays. The community’s support and awareness of their historical importance are crucial in maintaining their condition.
News Directory 3: As a member of the Second Armored Division alumni group, what does this anniversary and the artifacts mean to you personally?
Jean-Paul Michel: This anniversary is profoundly emotional for me and fellow veterans. It’s a reminder of our duty to honor those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Seeing the flag and the pennant again fills my heart with pride and gratitude. It connects us to our past and reinforces our commitment to ensure that their stories are never forgotten.
News Directory 3: Thank you for sharing these insightful reflections, Mr. Michel. It’s evident that the legacy of Strasbourg’s liberation continues to resonate deeply within the community.
Jean-Paul Michel: Thank you for having me. It’s our collective responsibility to carry this legacy forward.
The donation of these artifacts aims to preserve their history. Michel emphasized the importance of these items in representing a victory for the Free French Army, which helped establish De Gaulle’s credibility. He hopes the flag and pennant will remain on display, although the museum curator, Sylviane Hatterer, noted their fragile condition. The blue fabric is quite worn, and the flag serves as a historical witness to Strasbourg’s liberation.