France marks 107th anniversary of WWI Armistice • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Armistice Day/Remembrance Day: Commemoration of the end of World War I.
• Centenary of the French Cornflour: A specific commemoration this year related to World War I.
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A memorial under the Arc de Triomphe honoring fallen soldiers.
• Malu (Malgré-nous): French term for individuals forcibly conscripted into the German army during World War II, from the Alsace and Moselle regions.
• Arc de Triomphe: A famous monument in Paris.
• Champs-Élysées: A major avenue in Paris.
• Georges Clemenceau: The French statesman who signed the armistice ending World War I.
• Republican Guard: A French military unit responsible for ceremonial duties.

Armistice Day Commemorations in France

France, along with many other countries, is marking Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, which signifies the end of World War I. This year's ceremonies in Paris hold particular significance as they commemorate the centenary of the French Cornflour.

Centenary of the French Cornflour

A central element of this year's commemoration involves an urn topped with a cornflour containing soil collected from 16 of the 139 World War I burial and memorial sites. This urn is to be symbolically placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe.

Evolution of Armistice Day's Meaning in France

While November 11th is universally recognized as Armistice Day, marking the 107th anniversary of the end of World War I, its meaning in France has broadened over time.

• Since 1975: The day was expanded to honor all soldiers who lost their lives defending France.
• As of 2012: The commemoration was further extended to include those who died in overseas operations.

Focus on the "Malgré-nous"

This year's Armistice Day ceremonies will include a specific focus on a group from World War II: the "Malgré-nous."

• Definition: "Malgré-nous" is a French term meaning "in spite of ourselves" or "against our will."
• Background: These were soldiers from the border regions of Alsace and Moselle who were forcibly conscripted into the German army during World War II.
• Commemoration: At L'Historial de la Grande Guerre (a former military hospital now a war museum) in Péronne, a plaque will be unveiled, and a moment of silence will be observed for the "Malgré-nous."
• Significance: This act is seen as a day of reconciliation with a painful and uncomfortable chapter of French history, acknowledging the stigma these individuals faced.

Program of Ceremonies

The Armistice Day program in Paris is a well-established tradition, with key events unfolding throughout the day.

Ceremony at the Champs-Élysées

Following any initial ceremonies, the President of France will proceed to the Champs-Élysées.

• Tribute to Georges Clemenceau: At the foot of the avenue, there is a statue of Georges Clemenceau, the statesman who signed the armistice in a railway carriage in a forest in the French countryside on that cold November morning. The President will lay flowers and pay tribute here.
• Procession to the Arc de Triomphe: The President will then move up the Champs-Élysées towards the Arc de Triomphe.
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Underneath the Arc de Triomphe lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Troop Inspection: The President will ceremonially inspect the troops.
  • Floral Tribute and Flame Reignition: Flowers will be laid at the tomb, and the perpetual flame, which has burned continuously since the 1920s in honor of the fallen of World War I and the widows and orphans left behind, will be symbolically reignited.
  • Moment of Silence: A moment of silence will follow.
• Concluding Procession: The proceedings will conclude with a procession by the cavalry of the Republican Guard.

Conclusion

Armistice Day in France is a multifaceted commemoration that extends beyond the end of World War I. This year's events highlight the centenary of the French Cornflour and offer a significant moment of reconciliation for the "Malgré-nous" of World War II. The ceremonies on the Champs-Élysées, culminating at the Arc de Triomphe, serve as a solemn tribute to all those who have defended France and paid the ultimate price.