71st anniversary of liberation
Monaco commemorates the 71st anniversary of its liberation during WW2 with a convoy of jeeps and other military vehicles, and a wreath laying ceremony.
Military Vehicles' Parade
A convoy of around 50 vehicles, including military jeeps, black marias and armed vehicles, with participants dressed as resistance fighters and American GIs. It is expected to pass through Casino Square at 11:20, pauses at the Maison de France on rue Grimaldi at 11:30, climbs the Rocher to Monaco Ville at 12:00, passes through the Place du Palais at 12:20, and ends at the Mairie.
Sponsored by the French Comite de Commemoration d'Epoque, attended by members of Monaco USA Association.
Wreath laying in Monaco
A Ceremony of Remembrance is organized at the cemetery by the Mairie, starting at 16:00. Wreaths are laid at the Monument aux Morts and on the graves of Monegasque resistance fighters, Rene Borghini and Joseph Lajoux, followed by a prayer for the dead, a bugle call, a minute's silence, a prayer for peace, and finally, the playing of national anthems by the Musique Municipale, conducted by Charles Vaudano.
Attended by members of Monaco USA Association.
Wreath laying in France
Neighbouring towns also mark the occasion on 3rd September:
- 10:00, Cap d'Ail, wreath laying at the monument on avenue Prince Rainier III
- 10:45, Beausoleil, procession with military vehicles and wreath laying at Palais Berlioz and Square Kraemer on rue des Martyrs de la Resistance, and on rue du 18 juin
- 11:15, Beausoleil mairie, speech by mayor, followed by wreath laying at the Monument aux Morts
- 11:45, Beausoleil, place de la liberation, public reception open to all
Related events
MonacoUSA 1940s cabaret dinner show.
Liberation Party at Rascasse in the evening, dress code military or khaki.
