In pictures – Emmanuel Macron celebrates the 77th anniversary of the victory of May 8, 1945

The day after taking office, Emmanuel Macron on Sunday in Paris presided over a ceremony commemorating the 77th anniversary of the victory of May 8, 1945, the victory of the Allies over Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe. The President of the Republic went to the Champs Elysees to light the torch of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe. It was a special celebration in the context of the war in Ukraine and on the eve of the traditional Russian military parade in Moscow.

This commemorative ceremony opens an international sequence of the Head of State who will from 5pm participate in a video conference of G7 members “regarding the situation in Ukraine”, before going to Strasbourg on Monday to celebrate Europe Day where he will deliver a speech and in the process, to Berlin to meet with Chancellor Olaf Schultz. Monday will also be Russia’s celebration of victory over Nazi Germany, an occasion for a show of military might in the midst of the war in Ukraine.

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The official ceremony begins at 11 am. Emmanuel Macron lays a wreath At the foot of the statue of General de GaullePlace Clemenceau, down the Champs Elysees. A minute of silence was observed as the bell rang for the dead, before the sound of Marseilles rang out. The ceremony was attended by members of the government. Cornflower in his boutonniere, President Macron exchanges a few words with the general’s grandson, Yves de Gaulle, who shares this memory with his wife. « We must continue to remember. It is the victory of the French armies over Free France. When we think of Ukraine today, it has a meaning that we must not forget. »interacts.

« We must continue to remember. It is the victory of the French armies from Free France. When we think of Ukraine today, it has a meaning that we must not forget » – Yves de Gaulle, grandson of General de Gaulle

Then the President of the Republic ascends to the Champs Elysees by car, accompanied by Republican Guardtowards the Arc de Triomphe. A number of passers-by greet the head of state. It was the first time since 2019 that the public was allowed this concert, after two years of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Emmanuel Macron is greeted at the Place de l’Étoile, as tradition dictates, by the Prime Minister as the bell rings « Aux champs » signifying the arrival of a higher power. The head of state honors the flag. Then the Marseilles sound, before the President of the Republic reviews the forces present, including the Infantry Regiment of the Guard of the Republic, the Ecole Polytechnique or the École Normale Supérieure in Mellon.

Then Emmanuel Macron goes to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where he lays a wreath and proceeds to light the flame. This torch was in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier First lit in 1923. It is revived every evening at 6:30 pm. Then the head of state observes a minute of silence while the tricolor flag flutters in the center of the Arc de Triomphe. The French Army Choir begins the Marseillaise before performing the Chant des partisans.

At the conclusion of the official commemoration ceremony of May 8, 1945, the head of state signs the guest book of the flame under the Arc de Triomphe, salutes the Flame Committee, flag bearers, political and military authorities.