Ceremony chaired by Macron, security perimeter… Everything you need to know about the commemoration of May 8 in Paris

First public holiday of the week, this Wednesday May 8, 2024 will be the 79th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. It is indeed the May 8, 1945 that the act of capitulation of the Third Reich is signed in Berlin between the German and allied military commands, recalls the French government. Like every year, this symbolic date is celebrated throughout France. In Paris, here are the details of the commemoration ceremony chaired by Emmanuel Macron.

The flame of the Unknown Soldier rekindled

During the tribute, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, Secretary of State for Veterans and Memory Patricia Mirailles, as well as the highest military authorities will also be present.

The President of the Republic will visit Place Clemenceau in front of the statue of General de Gaulle, where a tribute will be paid to him. He will then go up the Champs Elyséesescorted by the Republican Guard, before rekindling the flame above the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which rests under the Arc de Triomphe.

The “Aux Morts” bell will ring and will be followed by a minute of silence. The Marseillaise and the Song of the Partisans will then be sung by the French Army Choir.
The ceremony will conclude with a salute to the flame committee and the flag bearers, a signing of the guestbook and a greeting from the political and military authorities.

The security device

In a decree, the police headquarters communicated the security device deployed during this day of commemorations. Parking will be prohibited from Tuesday May 7 at 2 p.m. until Wednesday May 8 at 1 p.m. in Paris on several roads in the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements.

Traffic will be prohibited on May 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. within a dedicated perimeter. Outside of this, the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements remain open to traffic. Find here the details of the established perimeter and the cordoned off streets.

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