Paris marks liberation from Nazis

[emad]

BBC News snip:

Celebrations have started in Paris to mark the 60th anniversary of the city's liberation in World War II. On Wednesday, six firefighters raised the French flag on the Eiffel Tower in a re-enactment of events in 1944.

Sixty years ago, the Nazi troops who had occupied the French capital for four years, surrendered.

Thousands of people have turned out to watch the military parades and, later, a concert in Notre Dame cathedral will continue the celebrations.

The BBC's Peter Biles says the French attach special significance to the liberation of Paris - because, they say, they freed themselves.

More:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3596776.stm

[CroixRoussienne]

1. Joyeaux

This whole year has been a celebration of the "Debarquement", and to have it climax with this day is a joy.

I met a fine woman a couple of months ago in Greece. We both happened to be staying at a French resort in Eubée, Greece, and we struck up a conversation in the hotel lobby, as travelers do. She was around 70 years old, and as soon as she realized I was an American, her eyes grew misty, and she lapsed into a reverie of reminiscence.

"I was eight years old in '44, she said, "I remember being so scared and hungry for so long, and one day we heard the Americans were coming. When the soldiers arrived, a huge GI picked me up by the waist and I was so scared I kicked and screamed until he put me down. He was laughing, and kind, and huge." She was crying now, and needed a hug. I was in tears as well.

On July 27 this year, the city of Lyon marked the execution of dozens of Resistance fighters at the hands of the retreating Reich.

[newyawker99]

3. Hi CroixRoussienne!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[HuckleB]

2. Alas, the celebration has been tainted by those who would turn back time.

French nab Nazi graffiti artist, graves damaged:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L24511111.htm

Outcry in France over arson at Jewish center:
http://www.iht.com/articles/535411.htm