BTN News: On August 25, 1944, Paris witnessed the end of more than four years of brutal Nazi occupation. This historic event, marked by the courageous actions of the city’s inhabitants and the arrival of the 2nd Armored Division led by General Leclerc, is celebrated as a monumental victory in the struggle for freedom. As Paris commemorates the 80th anniversary of its liberation, the city pays homage to those who resisted the occupation, with a poignant reminder to remember the past and continue the fight against hatred to prevent future tragedies. The celebration comes at a time when Europe faces rising extremism and global conflicts, making the lessons of the past more relevant than ever.
The liberation of Paris was not a simple or swift process. For over 1,500 days, the city endured the harsh realities of Nazi control. But in the days leading up to August 25, 1944, the people of Paris rose up. A week of strikes, barricades, and intense street battles unfolded, led by a resilient resistance movement determined to reclaim their city. When the 2nd Armored Division of General Leclerc entered the capital, it was not just a military victory; it was the culmination of the Parisian spirit of defiance and resistance. As Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, emphasized during the official ceremony, this liberation was primarily the achievement of the city’s own people, urging everyone to “never forget” the resilience and courage displayed during those harrowing times.
The commemoration events have been in full swing, beginning earlier in the week and culminating in a series of ceremonies that coincide with the upcoming Paralympic Games. On Sunday, the Paralympic torch arrived in Paris, symbolizing both the enduring flame of resistance and the spirit of unity and competition that the Games represent. The arrival of the torch added a layer of contemporary significance to the historical remembrance, bridging the past and present in a celebration of human resilience.
The festivities have drawn participants and spectators alike, eager to honor the memory of those who fought for the freedom of Paris. A parade of vintage military vehicles retraced one of the routes taken by Leclerc’s men as they entered southern Paris, offering thousands of onlookers a tangible connection to that historic moment. For many, such as Véronique Mayer, a member of a military reenactment association, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. “It feels as if we are living what they lived when the 2nd Armored Division arrived in Paris. It’s extraordinary,” she exclaimed, encapsulating the sentiment of many who were present.
The celebrations have not only been about remembrance but also about recreating the atmosphere of those days in 1944. Bands played, concerts were held, and a popular dance took place, all contributing to a vibrant tribute to the liberation. Even the church bells tolled, echoing the sounds of August 24, 1944, when the first soldiers of the 2nd Armored Division entered Paris on the eve of its liberation.
In his address, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the global impact of Paris’s liberation. He recounted how the news of Paris’s freedom resonated far beyond France, bringing joy to people around the world. “Paris became a celebration, a celebration of freedom for all peoples,” Macron remarked, noting how even the streets of Montevideo danced in jubilation upon hearing of Paris’s liberation.
However, this year’s commemoration carries additional weight. It takes place against a backdrop of rising far-right extremism across Europe, including in France, and amid an ongoing war in Ukraine, where the fight against invasion continues into its third year. Mayor Hidalgo’s words during the ceremony were a stark warning against complacency, urging society not to give in to resignation or populism, as doing so would pave the way for future tragedies.
President Macron also addressed the ongoing battle against hatred, particularly in light of recent events such as the attack on a synagogue just the day before. His call to continue the “endless fight against hate” was a reminder that the struggles of the past remain relevant today, and the spirit of resistance must be kept alive to confront modern challenges.
While the focus of the ceremonies was on the French resistance and the Free French Forces under General Charles de Gaulle, there was also a significant tribute to the soldiers of “La Nueve,” the 9th company of the 2nd Armored Division. This unit, composed predominantly of Spanish Republicans who had fled to France after the Spanish Civil War, played a crucial role in the liberation of Paris. Led by Raymond Dronne, these men were among the first to enter the city, their contribution vital but long overlooked in the annals of history. Despite their active participation in the liberation, the story of La Nueve faded into obscurity for decades.
In post-war France, a nation grappling with the legacy of the Vichy regime’s collaboration with Nazi Germany sought to frame the liberation of Paris as an achievement by the French people. General De Gaulle’s famous proclamation on August 25, 1944—”Paris outraged! Paris broken! Paris martyred! But Paris liberated, liberated by itself, liberated by its people, with the help of the armies of France”—captured this sentiment. Yet, the vital contributions of foreign fighters like those in La Nueve were often downplayed in the narrative of France’s liberation.
Today, descendants of these exiled Spanish fighters continue to advocate for the recognition of their ancestors and all foreigners who played a role in the victory of freedom and peace in France. Véronique Salou, from the association 24 août 2024, emphasized the importance of remembering the contributions of all who fought, not just for France, but for the ideals of liberty that transcend national borders.
As Paris celebrates the 80th anniversary of its liberation, the city stands as a testament to the enduring power of resistance, the importance of remembrance, and the necessity of continuing the fight against hatred in all its forms. The events of 1944 serve as a powerful reminder that freedom is never guaranteed, and that the spirit of those who fought for Paris must be carried forward to confront the challenges of today and tomorrow.
