May 8 Commemorations: Emmanuel Macron Rekindles the Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Emmanuel Macron in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Paris, Thursday, May 8, 2025. - Thomas SAMSON / POOL / AFP
This live broadcast dedicated to the commemorations of the victory of May 8, 1945, marking the victory of the Allies against Nazi Germany is now over.
After a film was shown to recall the events of the Second World War, the head of state warned, during a speech, of the threat of the "specter of war" and "totalitarian behavior" that could "flout" the rights of nations.
During the ceremony, Emmanuel Macron presented the insignia of Knight of the Legion of Honor to Jean Daikhowski, a figure of the Resistance.
Emmanuel Macron is rekindling the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which has been in place since November 11, 1920, under the Arc de Triomphe.
Furthermore, this eternal flame is rekindled every day at 6:30 p.m.
Following the multiple international conflicts currently underway , Emmanuel Macron has warned of the threat of the "specter of war" and "totalitarian behavior" which could "flout" the rights of nations.
After a film was shown to recall the events of the Second World War, the Head of State paid tribute to "the procession of heroes who held France together" and paid tribute to the "procession of suffering of so many anonymous people."
Emmanuel Macron walks up the Champs-Élysées, accompanied by the large mixed escort of the Republican Guard, to preside over the ceremony under the Arc de Triomphe.
The head of state is transported in a presidential DS, a unique model designed for the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the armistice of May 8, 1945.
The head of state arrived at the bottom of the Champs-Élysées and paid his respects at the foot of the statue of Charles de Gaulle on Place Clémenceau.
He is flanked by his Prime Minister, François Bayrou, and Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu. The presidents of the assemblies, Gérard Larcher and Yaël Braun-Pivet, are also at his side.
Onlookers begin to gather on the Champs-Élysées to attend the commemorations.
"It's an incredible opportunity to be here," said young Enzo, winner of the national Resistance competition, on BFMTV.
Yaël Braun-Pivet laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
She was accompanied in particular by the President of the Finance Committee Éric Coquerel (LFI), the Vice-President of the Assembly Nadège Abomangoli (LFI) and the Quaestor Brigitte Klinkert (Renaissance).
Donald Trump signed a proclamation declaring May 8 "Victory Day" in World War II , saying it was "time for the United States to take credit for its military successes."
"Victory was achieved mainly thanks to us, whether people like it or not," added the American president, recalling that he would establish another "VE Day" on November 11, this time for the First World War.
The Kremlin is holding major celebrations in Moscow tomorrow, attended by foreign leaders including China's Xi Jinping, to commemorate the Allied victory over Nazi Germany.
Vladimir Putin maintains the patriotic cult of the 1945 victory and maintains that the invasion of Ukraine is a continuation of the war against Hitler.
The war of invasion led by Vladimir Putin's Russia "has nothing to do with the fight against Nazism," but "is nothing more than a cover" for "imperial madness" and "atrocious crimes," German President Frank-Walter Steinmeierle responded in a speech.
The United Kingdom also commemorates the end of World War II.
It was King Charles III who paid tribute to the dead British soldiers during a ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Winston Churchill's 10-year-old great-great-grandson lit a peace candle. Outside the abbey, Camilla and Kate laid flowers at the war memorial, paying tribute to the war dead.
Battle reenactments are organized in Yonne to depict the fighting between the Allied forces and the Germans.
"It's a duty to remember," explained Patrick Bataille, one of the volunteers organizing the event, speaking to BFMTV.
80 years after the Allied victory, dancers rehearse the scenes of jubilation that took place in the capital on May 8, 1945.
"We are here to commemorate those who fought for our freedom," one of the dancers explained to BFMTV.
BFMTV was able to attend the rehearsals of the French patrol, which will close the ceremony in Paris around 7:20 p.m. by crisscrossing the sky.
This patrol is one of the branches of the Air Force, known for its acrobatics.
Traveling to Hénin-Beaumont (Pas-de-Calais) for the May 8 commemorations, Marine Le Pen considered that it was "good to glorify peace and sacrifice at a time when there is a war 3 hours from here."
"At this time, these commemorations have a particular value," the president of the RN deputies added to BFMTV.
First Lady Brigitte Macron, Prime Minister François Bayrou, Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, and Minister Delegate for Remembrance Patricia Miralles will attend the May 8 ceremony. "Highest military authorities" will also be present, the Élysée Palace announced.
As the 80th anniversary of the 1945 victory dictates, May 8th will be commemorated differently than in other years. Forgoing the morning ceremony in Paris: Emmanuel Macron will participate in several commemorative events later in the day.
A visit to the statue of General de Gaulle is planned for 5:20 p.m., before a military ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe.
"The President of the Republic will deliver a speech, award the Legion of Honour to a member of the Resistance, and then attend a parade of reenactors and schoolchildren," the Élysée Palace stated.
Hello everyone, welcome to this live broadcast dedicated to the commemorations of the victory of May 8, 1945, marking the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. To bring you these events, BFMTV will be broadcasting a special edition starting at 4 p.m.
BFM TV
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