Soldiers' Victory Monument
The Soldiers' Victory Monument was constructed on the former ramparts of the Rue Mazel in the center of Verdun after shellfire from the battle leveled much of the city, and celebrates the French victory over the German army in December, 1916. In front of the statue are 73 steps which lead up to a crypt containing the names of French soldiers who recieved the Medal of Verdun. On top of the crypt is a 30m tall statue of a warrior holding a sword and looking East out onto the former front line. The foundation stone was laid by the French minister of war on June 3rd, 1920, and was inaugurated by president Doumergue on June 23rd, 1929. It was designed by Leon Chesnay, and scultped by Jean Boucher.