On May 8, 1945, at around 3 PM, a significant moment in history unfolded as all the church bells in France rang to confirm the capitulation of Nazi Germany. This year, on May 8, 2025, France will commemorate the 80th anniversary of this pivotal victory in World War II with a series of ceremonies and parades, particularly in Paris, where the events will take place at the iconic Place de l'Étoile.
The commemorative events will kick off at 5:20 PM with a ceremony of laying wreaths in front of the statue of General de Gaulle at the Rond-point des Champs-Elysées. This will be followed by the main ceremony at 5:50 PM at the Place de l'Étoile, where the President of the Republic will arrive, accompanied by honors and a review of the troops, all set to the stirring sounds of the orchestra of the Republican Guard.
At 6:10 PM, the President will deliver a speech, reflecting on the significance of this day and honoring the sacrifices made during the war. Following the speech, at 6:30 PM, there will be another wreath-laying ceremony, the rekindling of the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and a minute of silence. The Marseillaise will be performed by the Choir of the French Army, accompanied by young participants involved in the memorial cycle.
The events will culminate with a grand parade at 7:10 PM featuring various associations from the world of combatants and re-enactors. The parade will conclude with a spectacular display by the Patrouille de France, showcasing the country's military aviation prowess.
Musical performances will play a significant role in the celebrations, with contributions from various nations. The music of the Republican Guard and choirs of the French Army will be complemented by performances from Great Britain’s The Band and Bugles of The Rifles, Canada’s Royal 22e Régiment, and the United States’ military bands representing the Army, Air Force, and Naval Forces. Additionally, Cameroon’s Compagnie de Musiques Principales des Armées and Germany’s Marinemusikkorps Wilhelmshaven will also participate.
Among the military formations participating in the ceremony are the Medical Regiment (RMED), the 33rd Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Attack Squadron (33e ESRA), the 3rd Fighter Squadron (3e EC), the Naval Air Force (FAN), the 503rd Train Regiment (503e RT), the 3rd Engineering Regiment (3e RG), the 1st Artillery Regiment (1er RA), the 1st Tirailleurs Regiment (1er RTir), and the Marine Tank Infantry Regiment (RICM).
In addition to the official ceremonies, a unique aspect of this year’s commemoration involves the Société Duval Transports (SDT) in Sainte-Marie-des-Champs, which has received special permission to operate on this national holiday. Starting at 7:30 AM, nine trucks from SDT will transport military vehicles to Paris for the commemorative events. These vehicles, including Jeeps, Dodge, and GMCs, are set to parade along the Champs-Elysées beginning at 7 PM.
The associations Overlord 76 and 89e DIUS have been invited to participate in the national ceremonies, which will commence at 5:45 PM. About 50 members from these organizations will attend in uniform or period costumes, reflecting their dedication to honoring those who fought for freedom. Nicolas Cléraux, president of Overlord 76, emphasized the importance of their participation, stating, "We do this to honor those who remained on the beaches or fell in other territories for our freedom.”
David Houriez, president of the 89e DIUS, shared the planned route for the day, detailing how they will gather at the Longchamp racecourse, proceed to Avenue Foch, encircle the Place de l'Étoile, and then descend the Champs-Elysées to Avenue Georges V. This journey is not just a parade; it is a tribute to the sacrifices made during the war.
Both associations are deeply rooted in history, with members like Cléraux, who has a military background, drawing inspiration from family stories of resistance during the war. Cléraux shared, "My grandparents experienced the Jubilee operation of August 19, 1942, at Dieppe. They were resistors, and their experiences have fueled my passion for military re-enactment since childhood.”
Overlord 76 is known for restoring military vehicles, often bringing them back to life from a state of disrepair, using technical manuals that U.S. soldiers relied on for maintenance during the war. Cléraux noted, "It’s interesting to point out that Jeeps were initially designed to last only five days in the field, yet they proved to be more durable than expected. Many spare parts were never used because they remained in France after the conflict.”
As the day of commemoration approaches, both associations are preparing for future events as well. Overlord 76 has a gathering planned in Auffay on August 30, while the 89e DIUS is organizing a reconstitution of the Lucky Strike camp at the Saint-Sylvain aerodrome on June 28 and 29. Additionally, they will be present at the camp in Bacqueville-en-Caux on May 24 and 25 for those interested in learning more about their efforts and history.
The commemorations on May 8, 2025, promise to be a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II, uniting generations in remembrance and respect for those who fought for peace and freedom. With a blend of solemn ceremonies and vibrant parades, this anniversary will honor the past while inspiring future generations to remember the lessons of history.
