Today marks the 65th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris.All around Paris there are daily reminders of the Liberation, such as this plaque. Read more here.
Starting at 4:45 pm today there will be an official ceremony at the Hotel de Ville in Paris, including une Evocation Historique en 5 Actes.
Additionally, a smaller ceremony at the Mairie of the 7e arrondissement will take place at noon. Rachida Dati, other elected officials, and Anciens combattants will commemorate the anniversary. 116 rue de Grenelle.
If you are not in Paris, but have a half hour to spare, do yourself a favor and watch this documentary, filmed in secret during those weeks in August -- from the first insurrections in mid-August to the victory parade with the 2nd French Armored and 4th US Division. It includes General De Gaulle's famous "Paris brisé! Paris martyrisé! Mais Paris libéré!" speech. It's all in French, but you'll understand.
Click here to watch the film.
4 comments:
It's crazy to look around and think about it - I mean, 65 years really isn't that long ago!
I know -- it's incredible to watch the film, recognize all the sites, and realize what was happening. It gives a new appreciation of Paris. And some of those little kids in the film are probably people we pass in the street.
Interesting post. I'll have to go and watch the film. Thanks
Thank God for General von Choltitz, "Governor" of Paris, who disobeyed Hitler when he was commanded to destroy the city.
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