Abstract Public Sculpture: Les Braves - Vierville-sur-Mer, France

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Les Braves

Omaha Beach

Vierville-sur-Mer, France

Topic: Abstract Public Sculpture

Les Braves by Anilore Banon

GPS: N 49° 22.257; W 000° 52.776

Quick Description:

Les Braves is an abstract sculpture located on Omaha Beach in the town of Vierville-sur-Mer on the coast of Normandy, France.

Long Description:

Les Braves is an abstract monument on Omaha Beach that honors the Americans who liberated France. In the center, seven stainless steel columns rise from the sea. A group of five columns curves upwards, two columns stand upright the tallest reaching up 30 feet. An array of stainless steel wings flank both sides. The sculpture was commissioned by the French government in 2004 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The work was the creation of Anilore Banon and consists of three elements:

Each element is explained by Ms. Banon in a sign on land adjacent to the sculpture on the beach.

I created this sculpture to honour the courage
of these men:
sons, husbands, and fathers, who endangered
and often sacrificed their lives in the hope of
freeing the french people.

LES BRAVES consist of three elements:

The Wings of Hope

So that the spirit which carried these men on 6th June 1944,
continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always
possible to change the future.

Rise of Freedom

So that the example of those who rose up against barbarity, helps us remain
standing strong against all forms on inhumanity.

The Wings of Fraternity

So that the surge of brotherhood always reminds of our responsibility
towards others as well as ourselves.
On 6th June 1944, these men were more than soldiers, they were our brothers."

Anilore BANON