Transmitting the flame of the Résistance
In Toulon, the préfet of Var presided over the ceremony of the 86th anniversary of the historic Appeal of général de Gaulle.
The cities of Var, and mainly the city of Toulon, commemorated the 86th anniversary of the historic Appeal made by général de Gaulle on June 18, 1940.
In Toulon, the ceremony was held at the roundabout of the Appel du 18 juin, located at the eastern entrance to the beaches of Mourillon. It gathered the highest civil and military authorities of the department, including all constituted bodies, veterans' and patriotic associations, as well as the public.
A founding speech
86 years ago, from the BBC studios in Londres, général de Gaulle launched his appeal to refuse defeat and to continue the fight. While France seemed to have lost the battle, the General's voice rose to assert that the war was not over.
Little heard at the time, this speech became the symbol of the birth of France Libre and the Résistance, embodying hope and the will to never surrender.
Transmitting the values of the Résistance
Beyond the historical tribute, the ceremony of June 18 aims to transmit to current and future generations the values of courage, freedom, and commitment that animated the first resistance fighters.
It recalls that in the face of oppression and inevitability, the will of one man can alter the course of History.
Photos Alain BLANCHOT and PRESSE AGENCE.