From 2026, each of the Institute’s regional sessions, Youth Programme and Economic Intelligence Programme will be named after a figure from the Order of the Liberation or the French Resistance.
This initiative forms part of the partnership established between the IHEDN and the Order of the Liberation, whose missions are aligned around a common objective: to foster a spirit of defence.
Established by General de Gaulle in November 1940, the Order of the Liberation is intended to honour individuals, military units and communities who have distinguished themselves in the struggle to liberate France. It also aims to convey a sense of commitment and to keep alive the memory of those who served the nation at the most decisive moments in its history. With only 1,038 Companions of the Liberation, this honour remains one of the most prestigious in the nation’s history.
Beyond the duty to remember, this initiative aims to introduce listeners to inspiring, often little-known stories that illustrate the power of civic engagement. As Jean-Pierre Vernant, a Companion of the Liberation, once remarked, these men and women were, above all, ordinary individuals who became extraordinary in exceptional circumstances.
The individuals selected will meet several criteria: strong local ties to the region in question; a particular focus on young people who are actively involved in their communities; and a diversity of backgrounds, particularly from the worlds of education, research or everyday professions.
By highlighting these stories, the IHEDN aims to provide its students with concrete examples of responsibility, courage and service, which reflect the values that have underpinned its work for the past 90 years.
The first cohorts have already chosen their patron’s name
La 250e The Brittany regional session thus selected Jean Devé, known as «Dewey», a soldier and pilot in the Free French Forces. Born in Brest in 1897, he travelled to London in June 1940 to continue the fight alongside General de Gaulle. He was killed in action at Bir Hakeim in 1942 and was posthumously awarded the title of Companion of the Liberation in 1943.
For its part, the 93e The economic intelligence course is now named after «Morhange», alias Marcel Taillandier. Founder of the eponymous Toulouse resistance network, he led a decisive struggle against the Gestapo in the south-west before dying in action in 1944. He was appointed a Companion of the Liberation in 1946.
As the sessions progress, new figures will thus enrich the Institute’s collective memory and serve as a reminder that the spirit of defence rests not only on institutions or the armed forces, but also on individual commitment to the common good.
Through this initiative, the IHEDN is continuing its mission: to train citizens and decision-makers who are aware of the challenges of their time, whilst drawing inspiration from those who, through their actions, have embodied the values of courage, responsibility and resilience.
