Armistice Day 2009, a somber day in France

November 11, 2:00 PMFrance Travel ExaminerDenis Denholm

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Verdun War Memorial
Photo/Wikipedia

Armistice Day is celebrated across France today, November 11, 2009. Also known as Remembrance Day, this somber day celebrates the end of hostilities on the Western Front. Signed by Marshal Ferdinand Foch for the allies and Matthias Erzberger (Germany), the peace treaty brought to an end the Great War at 11 minutes past the 11th hour, the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In worn rail car in the Compiègne Forest, near Compiègne, France, a deafening silence signaled a new beginning for all Europe.

Historic moment in 2009:
For the first time, leaders of France and Germany are joined together for Armistice celebrations in Paris. Their meeting is clearly a sign of the strong bond between these two powers of Europe as well as, a symbol of the great power of forgiveness.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined French President Nicolas Sarkozy for the ceremonial laying of the wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris. Located beneath the Arc de Triomphe, the tomb lies beneath a giant Tricolor (the French flag), which hangs proudly from the center of the arch, one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of Paris and peace alike.

In his speech, Sarkozy said. “We gather this November to commemorate not the victory of one people over another, but hardship that was as terrible for one side as it was for the other.” Sarkozy went on to say that, “German orphans cried over the death of their fathers in combat just as the French orphans did.”

Chancellor Merkel told the crowd, “The Germans and the French, once bitter enemies, now stand united as neighbors in a way that nourishes hope and confidence that elsewhere in the world, too, deep trenches can be bridged and overcome.

The two leaders, now the strongest of European allies, visibly moved by the somber occasion, met with veterans of WWII afterwards, shaking hands with the now frail remainders of the other great war.

Events in Paris:
Ceremonial laying of the wreath at 11h
Vigil tonight at 21h
Both at the Arc de Triomphe.

Attendance is free; however admission into the monument is €9, free with a Paris Museum Pass.

Closed for the holiday:
Banks, post offices, stores, many businesses. Many cafes and restaurants in outlaying areas, those beyond typical tourist zones may also be closed. Airports and rails stations are open but may be operating on alternate schedules.