While thousands of hectares go up in smoke, while families leave their homes with a few memories in their arms, while children discover the fear of losing everything, another France is rising. That of the firefighters. Women and men who move forward where everyone else falls back. Who enter the flames while everyone instinctively seeks to get away from them. They don’t ask for applause or recognition. They simply carry out their duty, sometimes at the risk of their lives. Alongside them, volunteers, associations, elected officials and anonymous neighbors open their doors, distribute water, welcome families and comfort those who have lost everything.
This is what solidarity is. In the most difficult times, a country is not measured by its speeches, but by its ability to reach out. The National Institute of Divinatory Arts (INAD) today wanted to put aside all controversies to send a simple message. Let us think of those who suffer. Let us think of the victims who will have to rebuild their lives. Let us think above all of our firefighters who, every day, face the flames with exemplary courage to protect women, men, children, sometimes strangers whom they will never meet. If each of us can make a gesture, even a modest one, let us do it. A donation to associations helping disaster victims. Support for works that support firefighters and their families. A thought for those who have lost everything. Because solidarity cannot be decreed. She lives. Disasters often reveal the best and worst of our society. It’s up to us to choose which side we want to be on. At INAD, we have chosen ours: that of solidarity, mutual aid and humanity. Today, France does not need fear. She needs women and men who reach out. She needs courage. She needs hope. And no miracle can ever replace that.
To all the victims, to all the volunteers, and to all the firefighters who risk their lives to save those of others, INAD extends its deep respect and gratitude.
Share your point of view in a respectful and constructive spirit.