On May 8, 1945, around 3 p.m., all the bell towers in France began to ring, confirming the capitulation of Nazi Germany. Eighty years later, Thursday, May 8, commemorations are held everywhere in France and Europe to celebrate the end of the Second World War. For the occasion, France 2 is in a special edition from 4 p.m., connected to the Parisian ceremony. Follow our direct.
A ceremony presided over by Emmanuel Macron. In Paris, the traditional wreath depot in front of the statue of General de Gaulle, next to the Grand Palais, takes place at 5:20 p.m. The ceremony officially begins at 5.45 p.m. around the Arc de Triomphe. The highlights announced: a wreath laying, the revival of the flame, the ringing to the dead, minute of silence and La Marseillaise sung by army choirs. The President of the Republic will then salute veterans and standard bearers.
What else? In France, Patricia Mirallès, Minister Delegate responsible for memory and veterans, travels to Reims, while the capitulation of Nazi Germany was signed in a college in the city of Champagne. In addition, the British royal family meets in Westminster with a minute of silence observed at 1 p.m.
The French still captivated by the Second World War. Almost four out of five French people say they are “Interested” By this historic period, according to a Toluna/Interactive Harris survey carried out for the Liberation mission, responsible for organizing the commemorative cycle of 2024 and 2025. The conflict represents the most important event since 1900 for 41% of respondents, far ahead of the First World War, the fall of the Berlin Wall or advances in women’s rights.
