Our values
To transmit war memories in order to understand the past, to illuminate the present and to promote a peaceful dialogue between generations and European peoples.
Behind every memory, there are family stories, silences, tensions, but also attempts at understanding and reconstruction.
The actions of Rencontre Réconciliation are part of an ethical, civic and European approach.
We work on sensitive — sometimes uncomfortable — memories with a constant requirement: to protect people, to shed light on history and to strengthen democracy.
Passing on war memories to foster dialogue
The actions of Rencontre Réconciliation are part of an ethical, civic and European approach.
We work on sensitive — sometimes uncomfortable — memories with constant attention to protecting people, illuminating history and preserving a respectful dialogue.
Offspring are not responsible for the choices of their parents
Acknowledging past crimes or mistakes is a historical necessity.
On the other hand, passing on guilt to future generations allows neither understanding nor appeasement.
Descendants often inherit silences, tensions, or unresolved questions — not a fault.
To understand without justifying, to transmit without accusing
Giving a voice to descendants of collaborators, soldiers or civilians caught up in totalitarian regimes is neither to excuse nor to relativize historical facts.
The aim is to understand human and family mechanisms in order to avoid simplifying or repeating them.
Memory and democracy
The way a society talks about its past influences the quality of its public dialogue.
Allowing the expression of complex, sometimes disturbing narratives helps to maintain an open and respectful space for discussion.
These values are translated into concrete action through:
👉 our conferences and public meetings
A European and transgenerational approach
War memories transcend borders and generations.
By promoting exchanges between countries and between generations, the association contributes to a shared understanding, based on listening and nuance.
Welcoming speech with responsibility
Working on these memoirs requires particular vigilance.
We ensure that:
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do not interpret what is not said
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not force the speech
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Do not prioritize memories
Each testimony is received within a respectful, protective and clearly defined framework.
These values take on meaning through concrete stories.
If you have a family history marked by war, silence, or complex legacies, we offer a framework to welcome this story.
The values upheld by the association are not simply a statement of principle.
They concretely guide our actions: public conferences, support for family stories and publishing projects, from a Franco-German and European perspective.
👉 An approach based on listening, nuance and transmission.