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Origin and history

The Carmaux Memorial to the Dead is a pacifist tribute to French soldiers who died in the First World War. Located in the Parc Jean-Jaurès (formerly Parc de la Serinié), it was built between 1921 and 1933, under the mandates of mayors Jean-Baptiste Calvignac and Louis Fieu. Its financing was provided by a public subscription, and its realization was entrusted to the sculptor Gaston Toussaint and the architect Gabriel Camboulives.

The monument is distinguished by its imposing structure: a cubic pedestal topped by a 25 metre granite column, crowned by a female statue symbolizing peace. Forged plant elements, such as olive branches and bay garlands, adorn the whole. This pacifist-style monument was listed as historic monuments on October 18, 2018, as part of the commemorations of the centennial of the First World War.

In November 2010, the monument was the victim of an act of vandalism: the surrounding basins were broken, the grazes twisted, and the flowers deposited for November 11 trampled. The author of these degradations has never been identified. Despite this incident, the monument remains a strong symbol of memory and peace for the city of Carmaux.

Owned by the commune, the monument to the dead is now fully protected, including its decorative elements and its location in the Parc Jean-Jaurès. Its designation as historic monuments underscores its heritage and artistic importance, as well as its role in commemorating the conflicts of the twentieth century.

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