Emmanuel Macron Rekindles Flame of Unknown Soldier for Bastille Day Centennial

Bastille Day Ceremony

• 🇫🇷 The Bastille Day national holiday celebrations in Paris commenced with President Emmanuel Macron arriving at the Arc de Triomphe.
• 🕯️ The ceremony began with a special tribute marking the 100th anniversary of the rekindling of the flame of the unknown soldier.

The Eternal Flame and its Committee

• 💡 The eternal flame, located beneath the Arc de Triomphe, is rekindled every night at 6:30 p.m. by the Committee of the Flame.
• ⚔️ This year, President Macron used a new sword, gifted to the committee, to revive the flame, a tradition he performs annually.
• 🕊️ The committee and the flame serve as a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, wounded, killed, and victims of terrorism.

Historical Significance

• 🔥 The flame was first lit in 1923, with the committee established in 1925, following the immense losses of World War I.
• 💔 The ceremony underscores the importance of remembering the 1.4 million dead and 3.6 million wounded from the war, with a commitment to prevent such tragedies from recurring.