This Tuesday, Emmanuel Macron presided over ceremonies commemorating the 107th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 on the Champs-Élysées and at the Arc de Triomphe, also paying tribute to the people of Alsatia and Mosella who were conscripted into the German army during the Second World War.
The November 11 ceremony marked the end of the First World War and was dedicated to all fallen soldiers in France, whatever the conflict.
The Head of State initiated this commemoration at the Hôtel des Invalides to highlight the fate of “Despite Us” in the Second World War. These were about 130,000 Alsatian and Mosella people who, Germany considered after the annexation of these regions, had to integrate the German army. About 40,000 of them never returned: 30,000 died in battle or were taken prisoner and 10,000 to 12,000 disappeared.
A plate is attached
The plaque pays tribute to the men accused of betraying France after the war, a topic that remained taboo for a long time. The President of the Republic has promised “to recognize and teach the tragedy” “Despite Us”, on the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Colmar, on February 2.
The Head of State was accompanied by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin and Minister Delegate Alice Rufo.
Second World War veterans François Dochet, Alfred Young and Alfred Wolgroth attended, moved, the unveiling of the plaque. Emmanuel Macron thanked the guests present for “bringing back these memories”. “Now it is engraved in the stone of this stable. We have to continue to spread it,” he said.
Following the laying of the wreath, the “To the Dead” bell was rung, before a minute of silence was observed.
Emmanuel Macron on the Champs-Élysées
In front of the statue of Georges Clemenceau, near the Grand Palais, the President of the Republic again laid a bouquet of blue and red carnations, the symbolic colors of the early 20th century conflict.
“Tiger” statue.
President of the Republic under the Arc de Triomphe
The President of the Republic then heads to the Arc de Triomphe, where the Flame of Remembrance burns permanently, in front of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Under the notes of La Marseillaise, Emmanuel Macron saluted the flag and surveyed the troops, before paying his respects in front of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The head of state always speaks with veterans.
As per tradition, the presidents of the two chambers of Parliament, Yaël Braun-Pivet (Assembly) and Gérard Larcher (Senate) were present as well as Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
The President, Prime Minister, ministers and other figures present then attended the parade of the Republican Guard cavalry regiment.
At the end of the ceremony, Emmanuel Macron received lunch at the Élysée “flag bearers, members of patriotic associations, members of the Fire committee, residents of the Institute of National Invalides and representatives of the world of combat as well as representatives of the Liberation Mission”, according to the Élysée.
