I held a prized invitation to sit in the grandstand erected in front of the Hotel de Ville (Paris City Hall) for the festivities. For those wanting to know more, I refer you to a classic movie "Is Paris Burning" based on a book with the same name by Larry Collins and Dominique LaPierre. The music score by Maurice Jarre is stirring and fantastic.
I am sharing three personal pictures of the event.
These veterans of General Philippe LeClerc's 2nd Armored Division surround and greet General LeClerc's widow. Note the large projection screen to improve viewing by the audience.
A small group of U.S. soldiers entering the venue. U.S. Ambassador Pamela Harriman arrived soon after this picture was taken.
Entrance to Hotel Meurice on the Rue de Rivoli. This hotel was used as the headquarters for the German commander of Paris, General Dietrich von Choltitz. As most know, General Choltitz did not follow through on an order from Hitler to destroy the city. The book mentioned in start of the blog will give you many more details.
