The practices

The study of the different forms of remembrance is intrinsically linked to that of commemorative practices. As such, the same methods are used in France and Germany. Both countries honour and commemorate by creating special days and erecting memorials; pay tribute through the actions of patriotic societies and battlefield pilgrimage organisations; attach value by building military cemeteries; and educate by opening museums and interpretation centres devoted to each conflict. Indeed, although remembrance always involves the organisation of highly ritualised official ceremonies, built around the presence of civilian and military officials according to a strict protocol, practices are continually changing. There is often an implicit desire to educate the general public and raise awareness among young people by drawing their attention to an aspect of history in order to pass on values that can shed light on the present and help build the future.