Why was M . Hamel sad …

M. Hamel was a very devoted, dedicated and a strict man of discipline in his school. He kept the “terrible” ruler under his arm and one could hear its rapping in the street. He always maintained decorum and discipline in the class. On the last day he came out by wearing his fine Sunday dress that he used to wear on specific ceremonial occasions. That day school looked quite solemn and strange and there was no commotion of any sort. Even the distinguished personalities had assembled there to pay their deepest reverence to the teacher for his forty years of meritorious service. While addressing all he spoke: “My children, this is the last lesson of French”. He was deeply pained at the order from Berlin which stated the ban of teaching French. In this respect he detailed the importance and love of one’s own language. He was highly respected by all. He loved France and French language from the inner most core of his heart.

Being a dedicated and a patriot, he taught the grammar lesson with complete depth that was followed by all. He had the courage to hear every lesson to the last. But he pointed out that he was sorry that the people of Alsace had never been serious about learning. He was overwhelmed with deep emotions and looked at everything keenly so as to fix them in his mind. The hall, garden and the love of area was breathing his heart heavily. While speaking his voice choked and he wrote in a chalk, ‘Viva La France’. With the gesture of his hands he dismissed the school.