France marks WWII victory over Nazism

cctv.com 05-09-2005 09:52

On May 8th, Paris has hosted a ceremony marking the French role in the allied victory in World War Two. French President Jacques Chirac presided over the ceremony.

The focus was the Arc de Triomph, where the president lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier. French Defense Minister Michele Aliot-Marie and many veterans of the war were also present. Before the military parade, the president awarded the medal of honor to war veterans.

To mark the 60th Anniversary of the victory over Nazism and Fascism, soldiers from fourteen countries that were part of the Allied Forces during the war took part in this year's military parade.

400 young people, among them 200 from Germany and Italy, part of the enemy axis during the war, were special guests.

It was a symbol of reconciliation and hope for the future of a Europe that is closer now than at any time since the war.

The commemoration in Paris was the climax of numerous ceremonies throughout France over the past two weeks.

Editor:Hu Hang  Source:CCTV.com