France's Emmanuel Macron marks Victory Day at Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Paris

SUMMARY

French President Emmanuel Macron has relit the flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the high point of a solemn ceremony marking the 74th anniversary of the World War II victory over Nazi Germany. Under heavy rain Wednesday, Macron laid a wreath at the tomb under the Arc de Triomphe, surrounded by military officials and guests, including several veterans of World War II and former presidents. Commemorating the victory of the Allies over Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945, 11 months after the D-Day landings in Normandy, is a ritual for French presidents. Horses of the Republican Guard escorted Macron's car up the Champs-Elysees Avenue to the monument. The president also laid a wreath at the statue of Charles de Gaulle, the general revered for leading the French Resistance and later elected president.

By APMay 9, 2019 9:49:02 AM IST (Published)

French President Emmanuel Macron greets a veteran during ceremonies marking the 74th anniversary of World War II victory in Europe, under the Arc de Triomphe Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Paris. (Christian Hartmann, Pool via AP)

Republican Guards wait for French President Emmanuel Macron before a ceremony at the statue of General Charles de Gaulle to mark Victory Day in Paris, Wednesday, May 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Pool)

French President Emmanuel Macron greets attendees under the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees avenue Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Paris during ceremonies marking the 74th anniversary of World War II victory in Europe. (Christian Hartmann, Pool via AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron lays a wreath of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees avenue Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Paris during ceremonies marking the 74th anniversary of World War II victory in Europe. (Christian Hartmann, Pool via AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron lights up the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees avenue Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Paris during ceremonies marking the 74th anniversary of World War II victory in Europe. (Christian Hartmann, Pool via AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron meets attendees at the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees avenue Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Paris during ceremonies marking the 74th anniversary of World War II victory in Europe. (Martin Bureau, Pool via AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 74th anniversary of World War II victory in Europe, under the Arc de Triomphe Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Paris. (Christian Hartmann, Pool via AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron greets veteran Jacques Lewis during ceremonies marking the 74th anniversary of World War II victory in Europe, under the Arc de Triomphe Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Paris. (Christian Hartmann, Pool via AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron greets a veteran during ceremonies marking the 74th anniversary of World War II victory in Europe, under the Arc de Triomphe Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Paris. (Christian Hartmann, Pool via AP)