The procession from the school to the World Wars memorial in Oradour
After the wreath / tribute laying at the school, the procession moves off through Oradour-sur-Glane new village to the World Wars memorial by the new church. The procession is led by the standard bearers and is followed by the ordinary citizens (including children) and as can be seen on this 68th commemoration, the weather is not always good in June. The tower of the new church can be seen in the distance and the procession is about to pass the Town Hall on the left: see the village plan for more detail.
As an example of the timing of events for the commemoration of the massacre, here is the program for the 68th anniversary, held on Sunday June 10th 2012.
14:00 ... Mass in the Catholic new church of Oradour-sur-Glane
15:00 ... Reception of the personalities and other participants in the Town Hall
15:15 ... The procession leaves the Town Hall
15:30 ... Laying of the wreaths at the monument for the children at the school
15:45 ... Laying of the wreaths at the monument for the dead of both World Wars
16:15 ... Laying of the wreaths in the old church of Oradour-sur-Glane
16:25 ... A minutes silence held on the fairground of the old village of Oradour-sur-Glane
16:35 ... Laying of the wreaths at the memorial to the dead of Oradour in the cemetery
17:00 ... End of the ceremony
© Michael Williams: July 2012