The gesture is sure, applied, almost mechanical. Under the sunny canopy of the florist La Serre, rooted in the Linkling area, it is in battle order, close ranks, that we approach the commemorative ceremonies of May 8, 1945. It must be said that the campaign is announced, as other years, busy.
Cattenom, Volmerange, Distroff, Terville, Basse-Rentgen, etc. The list of municipalities that ordered one or more wreaths from the Thionvillois flower merchant to color this day of victory is long.
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The assembly of tricolor flowers: a classic
“We are not talking about sheaves but elongated cushions”, corrects Véronique, the boss. This format is better suited to tradition, these floral compositions being intended to rest at the foot of monuments of remembrance.
If each community remains in control of its bouquet, a general trend emerges: an assembly of tricolor flowers. To represent the blue, the florist had to place orders for bonny, a variety of chrysanthemums which owes its bluish appearance to the hand of man: “We make them drink a tincture, specifies the florist. For the white, we opt for large daisies and we conclude with our red roses kept in our refrigerated space. A ribbon, also blue, white, red, completes this great classic of commemoration days.
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Between €60 and €120
This cult of remembrance, rooted in the necessary duty of memory incumbent on communities, constitutes a good plan for florists. The entry-level of an elongated cushion costs €60: “It can go up to €120”, reveals Véronique without us trying to find out more about the real benefit of the day. This will remain his secret garden…
If 8-May, just like 14-July next, assures him a nice inflow of money, his gaze rests on another date steeped in history: “On 11-November… Orders are even more extensive. We feel that the municipalities are making an extra effort. Laurent Cavalieri confirms.
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Regular change of merchant
The Deputy Director General of Services to the City of Thionville reserves “twelve or thirteen” sheaves (rather cushions, therefore) for this day of commemoration of the armistice ending the First World War. An order which also includes those placed by patriotic associations: “From the military necropolis to the war memorial in Garche, each site is flowery”, assures the director, evaluating the average budget allocated per bouquet at €90.
For the sake of fairness, note that he regularly changes florists. La Serre is not always one of the lucky ones. There is no doubt that Laurent Cavalieri will be able to do them a favor when the time comes.
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