Cimetière de la Légion Étrangère, Monument Farnsworth, nécropole nationale.

English translation

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History

The cemetery of the Foreign Legion-Farnsworth Monument, national necropolis, at Souain-Perthes-Les-Hurlus presents sufficient interest due to the quality of its architecture, its implementation, its originality, its authenticity and because of its unique testimony to the combatants of the Foreign Legion during the First World War. This monument of 17 metres by 22 is commonly called the "American Monument" or else the "Farnsworth Monument". These two names are often found on postcards. Thanks to the mobilisation and devotion of many people, this monument, whose stone comes from the same quarry as that used for the construction of the Arc de Triomphe, is built in only six months. The stones are transported by waterways, before being transported on devastated road axes. On 3 November 1920, in the presence of Mr and Mrs Farnsworth, this monument-ossuary designed by the architect Alexandre Marcel, is consecrated by the bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne, Monsignor Tissier. Two black marble plaques recall the sacrifice of the Legionnaires who enlisted for the defence of the values of the Republic. (http://frontdechampagne.over-blog.com/2015/10/le-monument-de-la-legion-etrangere-souain.html)