France and Serbia became friends during World War I. France offered military advice that was badly needed, and the Serbians never forgot it. That was the case even when Serbia was forced to become part of what was called Yugoslavia shortly after the war. Soon Belgrade decided to build a tribute to the French soldiers who died in that city in 1915. It was first thought that the structure should go in Paris, but the French government hoped that placing it in Belgrade would be more meaningful ... and help relations in that part of the world.
The final version was dedicated in 1930, with the usual group of dignitaries from both sides showing up. Some repairs were needed in 2018, and both countries chipped in to pay for them. The caption reads "We love France as she loved us 1914-18." That's pretty touching. The female figure on top is supposed to represent energy, leadership, courage and faith.
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