Former Firefighters Supporting the Youth: When Memory Meets the Future

For several weeks, three members of our association—Honorary Senior Lieutenants Jean-Yves Pontiac and Joseph Idmont, and Honorary Adjutant Bernard Vélia—have been passionately leading guided tours of the exhibition dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the SDIS of La Réunion.

Their contributions, rich in experience and humanity, have been met with constant success: attentive students, meaningful discussions, genuine curiosity. This intergenerational bridge reflects the mission of our association: to transmit, to inspire, to connect.

One of the most recent visits, however, reminded us that a part of today’s youth remains vulnerable. Faced with a few difficult behaviours, our elders showed both firmness and kindness, maintaining an atmosphere of attention without ever giving up on respect.

We are not there to act as police officers. But this episode demonstrates just how essential our educational presence is. Behind every object on display lies a lesson in courage, discipline, and solidarity—values our young people need to grow.

As we pay tribute to our volunteer guides, we acknowledge the quiet strength of those who, after serving, continue to serve—differently, yet with the same high standards.