Families of World War heroes, the French and the Franco-Tamil community and the French consulate general observed the 69th anniversary of the ‘Victory in Europe Day’, which marks the end of the Second World War in Europe.
A ceremony was held at the French War memorial on Goubert Avenue, which was attended by French Consul General Philippe Janvier-Kamiyama and Puducherry Collector Dr. S.B. Deepak Kumar, who represented the Lieutenant Governor.
Consul General Philippe Janvier-Kamiyama remembered the sacrifice of all the soldiers who went from Puducherry and fought for France during the Second World War, while addressing the gathering.
The Puducherry Police Band played the national anthems of India and France and a moment of silence was observed in honour of the soldiers. Representatives of various French civilian and military associations placed wreaths at the memorial.
School children from the Lycée Français sang the national song of France. “The French respect Pondicherians because the first ship that arrived in France on the call of General Charles de Gaulle was from Pondicherry,” said Predibane Siva, president of the Union des Francais de l'Etranger.
At the ceremony, serviceman Siva Thiru Jnanasanbandare who served in Yugoslavia was honoured with two medals.
