Sad farewell to an exemplary teacher: the funeral of Dominique Bernard, a 57-year-old teacher tragically killed on October 13 in Arras, took place this Thursday in a poignant tribute. Hundreds of people gathered to pay a final tribute to this loved and respected man, alongside President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte and the Minister of National Education, Gabriel Attal.
The ceremony, full of emotion, was chaired by the Bishop of Arras, Mgr Olivier Leborgne. In her speech, the deceased’s wife, Isabelle, also a teacher, portrayed a sensitive and discreet man, deeply attached to his family and passionate about literature, cinema and the arts. She emphasized her aversion to honors and ceremonies, preferring discretion and authenticity.
The educational community was also present in large numbers to pay a final tribute to Dominique Bernard. His colleagues testified to his kindness, his dedication to his students and his passion for teaching. His former students also expressed their sadness and their gratitude towards this teacher who marked them with his kindness, his sociability and his availability.
Beyond this tribute, Dominique Bernard was posthumously elevated to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to education and the transmission of knowledge.
These funerals took place in a context of increased vigilance, while France is once again faced with the terrorist threat. The murderer of Dominique Bernard was a radicalized Russian claiming to be a member of the Islamic State organization. This tragic act once again reminds us of the need to strengthen security in schools and support teachers in their essential mission.
In conclusion, the funeral of Dominique Bernard was an opportunity to pay him a final moving tribute, highlighting his kind personality, his love for teaching and his invaluable contribution to society. This sad event reminds us of the need to continue to defend the values of education and to fight against any form of extremism that threatens the peace and security of our society.