In Blumelac, “The First French Soldier Fallen,” Emmanuel Macron celebrates the “spirit of sacrifice” of France’s liberators.

For 80^e On the anniversary of D-Day, the celebrations last for three days. Emmanuel Macron delivered the eulogy, Wednesday June 5, “Spirit of Sacrifice” of the Liberators of France during the first tribute to Blumelac at Morbihan. “I know that our country is made stronger by brave, heroic youth, ready for the same spirit of sacrifice as its elders”State President announced.

For today’s elite units, referred to in numbers, he added: “As the risks mount (…), You remind us that we are willing to make the same sacrifices to protect what we hold most dear: our country of France and our republican values. » The President paid tribute to the First Paratroopers of Free France and the Breton Maquisards of the SAS, British special forces, who launched Operation “Overlord” on the night of June 5-6, 1944. Adolf Hitler.

The landings, organized in great secrecy by the Americans, the British and General de Gaulle’s men, would pave the way for the liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany, and thus the end of World War II.

It is in Blumelek “The first French soldier to land fell”Corporal Emily Boudard, “The Young Sailor from the Côtes-d’Armor” The United Kingdom remembers Emmanuel Macron. “He is my friend”, the last of the French paratroopers to take part in the operation was Colonel Achille Müller. This man is for the younger generation “99 and a half years” Advises to cultivate “memory”. “If France is attacked tomorrow, they must do the same as us”He says, the red beret screwed onto his head.

Like him, the veterans who are still alive also get attention during these celebrations, especially because of their age which will be the last big gathering they will be able to participate in. Emmanuel Macron is to speak and colonel Achille is to be wreathed in Mueller’s company. About fifty American soldiers, some of whom participated in the “long day” program, arrived in Normandy on Monday. “Welcome to France, Heroes” (“Welcome to France for soldiers”), he wrote on Tuesday On that day French President.

There are Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky

Joe Biden also arrived in France on Wednesday morning for the event. On Thursday, the US president will join the Normandy beaches for an international ceremony commemorating D-Day.

With the presence of the US President, King Charles III, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, the French President could once again present a major confrontation in Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be there, and Russia, which was invited ten years ago, was formally excluded from the festivities. “War of Aggression” Against Ukraine. On the sidelines of these festivities, Joe Biden will have the opportunity to study with his Ukrainian partner. “How (…) Continue deeper [le] Support [à l’Ukraine] »The White House said.

With European elections looming and heralded as dire for his camp, Emmanuel Macron has decided to extend this year’s commemorations to three days, from Wednesday to Friday. “In Normandy, but also in Brittany, we will continue to honor all the memories of those who contributed to our liberation: those who fought against Nazism, those who fought on all fronts, those who suffered and took all the risks. To reduce suffering”He wrote in the press kit for this extraordinary diplomatic meeting.

In Blumelec, “All Flags” Installed as part of the memorial was stolen during the night from Monday to Tuesday, according to the town hall, which caused damage to the bus shelters and announced the opening of an investigation. According to Western France Photos, captions published by: “Brittany Not For Sale”, “Macron out of Brittany”, “This is not France”Marked as significant.

Tribute to the dead civilians

On Wednesday afternoon, Emmanuel Macron will give a speech at Saint-Lô in Manche on the civilian victims of Allied bombing. “Capital of Ruins”According to the expression of Irish playwright Samuel Beckett, “Saint-Lo is the emblem of all our cities, which, at that time, met with destruction.”Emmanuel Macron said. “Their suffering, the valor of their rescuers and the self-sacrifice of their rebuilders must have their full place in our collective memory”The President added.

Between 50,000 and 70,000 civilians were killed in Allied bombing of France in the summer of 1944, including 10,000 in Normandy alone. Four hundred died between June 6 and 7 at Saint-Lô, published on July 18, 90. % cleared. On Wednesday evening, Emmanuel Macron will pay tribute to Cain’s prison inmates, mainly resistance fighters, who were shot by the Germans during the landing.

On the British side, King Charles III led the commemorations on Wednesday from Portsmouth on the UK’s south coast. “We will rededicate ourselves to always remember, admire and honor those who have servedhe announced, waving thousands of tiny flags in the country’s colors in front of the crowd. Eight decades later, it is almost impossible to imagine the emotions felt that day, the pride of being a part of such a grand mission, the anguish of not being able to do the job and the fear that the day might be the last. »