Toulon: 82 years on, the memory of the Liberation remains intact

This August 28, Toulon paid tribute to its history by commemorating the 82nd anniversary of its liberation, in the presence of Josée Massi, mayor of Toulon, Simon Babre, prefect of Var, and François de Canson, vice-president of the Région Sud.

The ceremony gathered civil and military authorities as well as representatives of patriotic associations for a moment of remembrance and reflection, marking the importance of this shared duty of memory.

A memorial journey through the city

Starting from the Place d’Armes, the official procession followed a symbolic route lined with places of memory.

A first tribute was paid in front of the plaque dedicated to Jean Moulin, affixed to the facade of the central police station, recalling the sacrifice of the shadow fighters.

The procession then headed towards the monument erected in memory of Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, commander of the 1ère Armée française, who played a decisive role in the liberation of Provence.

The journey ended at Place Gabriel Péri, in front of the city's war memorial, for the main ceremony of laying wreaths and military honors.

A distinction for memorial commitment

Alongside this commemoration, the mayor of Toulon received the Bronze Medal of Internal Security, adorned with the clasp "80ème anniversaire du Débarquement".

This award praised "her personal investment in the transmission of memory" to the younger generations.

A strategic battle for France

The liberation of Toulon, on August 28, 1944, was a strategic step in the end of the Second World War in France. Initiated in the wake of the Provence Landing, the battle made it possible to regain control of the first French military port.

The fighting, led by the troops of the France Libre and the Forces françaises de l’intérieur, was particularly intense. This annual ceremony ensures that the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who restored freedom to the city are not forgotten.