France Commemorates 80Th Anniversary Of Allied Invasion In WWII

French President Emmanuel Macron looks at two smartphones during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Provence during World War II, at the Boulouris National Cemetery in B

France marked the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion of the French Riviera in World War II with solemn events that paid tribute to the soldiers who bravely fought to push back the Nazis. The commemoration, often referred to as 'the forgotten D-Day,' was held in Saint-Raphael, France, and was attended by various dignitaries.

The ceremonies, overseen by French President Emmanuel Macron, included a special focus on the African soldiers who were sent from then-French colonies to participate in the operation. The Boulouris National Cemetery in Saint-Raphael, where 464 French soldiers killed in the August 1944 fighting are laid to rest, served as a poignant backdrop for the event.

Despite storm warnings along the Mediterranean coast, the commemorative activities proceeded as planned, albeit with the cancellation of a seaborne segment. President Macron and Cameroonian President Paul Biya were scheduled to deliver speeches at the cemetery, joined by other African leaders.

Notably, six World War II veterans, including five French soldiers and one foreign veteran, were set to receive the Legion of Honor, France's highest award, in recognition of their service and sacrifice. The day's program also featured an aeronautic demonstration and a fireworks display to honor the memory of those who fought in Operation Dragoon.

African soldiers from French colonies played a significant role in the operation.

Commemoration in Saint-Raphael honored soldiers who fought in Operation Dragoon.

Ceremonies included speeches, award ceremonies, aeronautic demonstration, and fireworks display.

Six World War II veterans received France's highest award, Legion of Honor.

Operation Dragoon, which commenced on August 15, 1944, saw the landing of hundreds of thousands of American and French troops on the Mediterranean coast. This military campaign, delayed due to resource constraints following the D-Day invasion of Normandy, played a crucial role in liberating southern France in just four weeks.

A significant portion of the French contingent involved in Operation Dragoon comprised African soldiers from various independent countries. While the exact Allied death toll remains uncertain, the French Defense Ministry estimates that 1,300 Allied soldiers lost their lives in the operation's initial days.

The successful outcome of Operation Dragoon paved the way for the convergence of troops from the Normandy landings and those from the French Riviera invasion in Burgundy on September 12, 1944, marking a pivotal moment in the Allied advance during World War II.