French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have marked the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Verdun, one of the bloodiest battles of World War I. To show their respects, the two European leaders laid a wreath at a memorial for fallen soldiers in the French town of Consenvoye.

“Verdun is not frozen in death. People look to it to accomplish a mission of peace. In this sense, Verdun is a city, which represents both the worst of Europe, a place where Europe was lost 100 years ago, and also the best of Europe, a place where people invested in and united together for peace, and for Franco-German ties. Long live the spirit of Verdun,” Hollande said.

Hollande and Merkel laid wreaths at a number of World War I cemeteries and are expected to make joint statements later in the day. The battle has taken on extra significance as Europe struggles to unite in the face of modern day challenges, including the refugee crisis and the rise of populist movements. 

The Battle of Verdun lasted 303 days. More than 300,000 soldiers died in the battle.