Paris marked a significant moment in history on Sunday as the city celebrated the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation. French President Emmanuel Macron and Mayor Anne Hidalgo led a ceremony to honor the brave soldiers who fought to free the city from the grip of the Nazis.
One key element of the commemoration was a military parade following the route taken by the second armored division in 1944 as they entered Paris from the south. What makes this parade particularly poignant is the fact that the division was mainly made up of Spanish Republicans who had fled their country during the Spanish Civil War. These soldiers, who had sought refuge in France, were determined to fight against fascist regimes and played a crucial role in the liberation of Paris.
FRANCE 24’s Karim Yahiaoui had the opportunity to speak with some of the family members of these Spanish soldiers, shedding light on their extraordinary stories and the sacrifices they made in the fight for freedom.
As we remember and honor the brave soldiers who fought for the liberation of Paris 80 years ago, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against tyranny and oppression. The legacy of these Spanish soldiers continues to inspire future generations to strive for a world free from fascism and injustice.
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Video “Remembering Spanish soldiers who fought to liberate Paris 80 years ago • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 08/25/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English