Tribute to General de Gaulle and review of troops at commemorative events on May 8, chaired by Macron

Almost 80 years after the end of the conflict, France remembers “all those who fought for freedom and peace.” The 79th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany, marking the end of World War II in Europe, was celebrated this Wednesday on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. As usual, Emmanuel Macron walked along the symbolic Parisian avenue to the Arc de Triomphe.

On 8 May, to commemorate the act of surrender of the Third Reich, he began paying tribute to General de Gaulle at 10:30 am at Place Clemenceau in the 8th arrondissement. The head of state laid a wreath at his monument before a minute of silence.

He then walked along the Champs-Élysées, accompanied by the Republican Guard, and reached the Arc de Triomphe. He reviewed the French army troops before relighting the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony concluded with the welcoming of the Fire Committee and standard bearers, the signing of the guest book, and the greeting of the political and military authorities.

Several members of the government are also expected to take part in the tribute: Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu, Secretary of State for Veterans and Remembrance Patricia Miray.

This celebration also marks the beginning of a long memorial program in this particular year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Landing. A series of celebrations are planned for the next month: Emmanuel Macron, among others, will preside over the June 6 ceremony in Omaha Beach in Normandy, along with US President Joe Biden.

At the very end of the day, the head of state will travel to Marseille at 19:00, according to the Elysee Palace, to witness the arrival of the Olympic flame, delivered from Greece on board the ship Belem to the Old Port.