This study is to explore the linkage between state value system, institutional system for patriots and veteran affairs, and system of patriotism, based on ‘politics of memory’, in France. France has established a national value system of republican identity, institutional system of constitutional patriotism as a moral order for mnemonic practice, and cultural nationalism as a median memory. In particular, this study focuses on republican identity and cultural nationalism
which has long been overlooked in the Existing literature of French Veterans Affairs Policy.
Firstly, republican tradition as a unity and integration of state value system constitutes a collective memory constructs the basis of French Veterans Affairs policy. In other words, republican memory itself formed a core of the national identity as a collective possession and a symbol of cultural tradition. Republican identity, in turn, supports republic constitution that underlined sovereignty of people, integrity, and patriotism, and becomes a solid basis of national community that is based on the strong bondage between nation state and civil society.
Second, French Veterans Affairs policy and system based on consitutional patriotism embodies constitutional patriotism by institutionalizing compensation and justice, triggering moral order. It has also been featured by the expansion of compensation and a higher position of veteran-related institutions in a bureaucratic hierarchy. Furthermore, it not only activate medium of memory though commemoration and celebration, but also bring an evolution of
republican value system.
Finally, French Veterans Affairs system constitutes a part of cultural nationalism that links past and present as a medium of memory. it is based on ‘dialogue model’ that incarnates identity, memory and patrimony into cultural nationalism.
Findings of this study shows that a Veterans Affairs policy is a strategic and constructive process of political dynamics of collective memory. The finding also suggests that a trinity system of value, institution, and enhancement based on collective memory constitutes a key factor of a success of a Vertran Affairs policy.