The Volunteer of 1792
The Volunteer of 1792 (French: Le Volontaire de 1792) is a statue created in 1899 by the sculptor Paul-François Choppin. HistoryThe statue was commissioned to honor the inhabitants of the district of Remiremont who were the first volunteers to defend their homeland during the chaos of 1792.[1] It has become the emblem of the city and stands at the intersection of rue Charles-de-Gaulle and rue de la Xavée, in the city of Remiremont in the Vosges department. From the ranks of these first volunteers emerged General Humbert, a native of Saint-Nabord, hired on 10 August 1792 and appointed Brigadier General on 9 April 1794 at the age of 26. The statue and its base have been listed as historical monuments since 27 February 1996.[2] The base bears on one side the inscription "A volunteer of 1792" and on another "State gift 1899". Postage StampThe 15 May 1995 La Poste issues a 2.80 francs stamp designed by Louis Arquer and dedicated to Remiremont, on which the statue appears in the foreground.[3] A First Day card and envelope are published for this occasion.[4] In 2009, a personalized stamp designed by the town hall of Remiremont once again honored the Volunteer, this time showing it from the front.[5] PosterityThe cultural center of Remiremont has been named “Espace Le Volontaire”. Notes
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