Description :
This radio programme is part of Radio País and was produced within the framework of the European Rede Tramontana (Réseau Tramontana / Tramontana Network) project, co-funded by the European Union. The project is dedicated to preserving and sharing Europe’s oral heritage by collecting testimonies, local memories, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions, ensuring that these voices remain accessible for education, research, and future generations.
In this episode of Reality and Humanity, Jean-Paul Ferré explains why the Second World War occupies an important place in his research and in his own family history. He introduces the testimony of his aunt, Marie-Rose, born in 1929, who recounts the events surrounding the Marsoulas massacre of 10 June 1944. Her memories describe the arrival of German SS troops in the Couserans region, the fear experienced by local inhabitants, and the tragic loss of civilian lives. Through her personal account, the programme illustrates how oral history preserves the emotional reality of events that profoundly marked local communities.
The discussion reflects on the educational value of collecting testimonies about painful historical events. Jean-Paul Ferré argues that oral memories complement written history by conveying the human emotions, perceptions, and experiences that official documents cannot fully capture. The programme concludes by highlighting the importance of international initiatives dedicated to safeguarding memory, stressing that preserving these narratives helps future generations better understand both history and the shared humanity behind it.