Today's Date:

60th-Anniversary Commemoration of the Liberation of Paris

Message from Bertrand Delanoe, Mayor of Paris.

A symbol of freedom for all nations that fought Nazi barbarism and a unique moment of unity and jubilation, the Liberation of Paris—whose 60th anniversary we are celebrating today—incarnated the victory of freedom, tolerance and justice, universal values shared by both of our countries.

This triumph of civilization over obscurantism left an everlasting mark on the identity of our city. The Liberation of Paris put an end to the collaborationist Vichy regime, marking the return of France to its own soil and ensuring the definitive recognition of its leader, General de Gaulle.

The fruit of a joint action between the domestic resistance and the troops of the second armored division, this event was a decisive step in the grim but inexorable march toward the restoration of peace made possible by the Allied Landing, under the command of American forces.

The heroism of those American soldiers remains forever etched in our memories. All of us feel gratitude and respect for the strength of their commitment, their essential sacrifice not only for freedom but for the future of all of humanity. Many of them perished on French soil during the month of August 1944. But their message, one of hope and resolve, lives on forever.

Paris will never forget the sacrifice of these just men. That is why I wanted the U.S. Ambassador to France to be closely involved in the ceremonies taking place in our capital. His presence most meaningfully illustrates our gratitude to all those—regardless of status, regardless of nationality—to whom we owe a great debt: the ability to live in dignity. And that is why we are particularly touched by the commemoration being held in Washington—one that is so emblematic of this universal memory and of the symbolic strength of a Paris restored to liberty.

On behalf of all Parisians, with brotherhood, I therefore would like to express our gratitude to our American friends and to tell them how much we are thinking of them, certain that no ocean can ever divide us.