This year, the Liberation of Paris turns 78 years old.  

On the occasion, Benjamin Franklin VFW Post 605 Commander Mark Primmer together with post members Jack Pinard and David Ashcraft, as well as VFW Auxiliary member Anna Marie Mattson and guests, stood in solidarity with French veterans at ceremonies in Paris and in Issy-Les-Moulineax.

The liberation of Paris (French: Libération de Paris) was a military battle that took place during World War II from 19 August 1944 until the German garrison surrendered the French capital on 25 August 1944.

After more than four years of Nazi occupation, Paris was liberated by the French 2nd Armored Division and the U.S. 4th Infantry Division. German resistance was light, and General Dietrich von Choltitz, commander of the German garrison, defied an order by Adolf Hitler to blow up Paris’ landmarks and burn the city to the ground before its liberation. Choltitz signed a formal surrender that afternoon, and on August 26, Free French General Charles de Gaulle led a joyous liberation march down the Champs d’Elysees.

The ceremonies in Paris and Issy-Les-Moulineaux are a vivid reminder of the sacrifices made so many years ago.

#stillserving

#neverforget