The Principality of Monaco will mark the 80th anniversary of its liberation during World War II on Tuesday, September 3, commemorating the end of successive occupations by Italy and Germany. This year, HSH Prince Albert has ensured that the anniversary holds special significance, particularly by honouring the crucial role played by the American army in the liberation.
The 1st Airborne Task Force, commanded by General Robert T. Frederick and deployed in Provence on August 15, 1944, played a pivotal role in forcing German troops to retreat, allowing local resistance groups to emerge from hiding. In recognition of General Frederick’s contributions, Monaco has helped fund a bronze statue unveiled on Wednesday, August 14 in La Motte, Var, where the Airborne Task Force first landed 80 years ago. Additionally, a commemorative postage stamp featuring General Frederick’s image was issued by Monaco on Thursday, August 15. His grandson, Bradford Hicks, will attend the national commemoration ceremony on September 3.
The day’s events will begin with a military ceremony at 17:00 at the Monaco cemetery, where HSH Prince Albert will deliver a speech in front of the monument dedicated to those who perished in the 20th-century world conflicts. Three military detachments—Monegasque, French, and American—will participate in the ceremony.
Following this, at 18:00, a flower-laying ceremony will be held at the National Council’s commemorative plaque in memory of Monegasque resistance fighter René Borghini and his liaison officer Esther Poggio, who were executed on August 15, 1944. The Sovereign Prince will then inaugurate an exhibition in the lobby of the Ministry of State. Titled Monaco Libéré! 3 septembre-28 décembre 1944, the exhibition has been curated by the Mission de Préfiguration des Archives Nationales, the Archives du Palais Princier, and the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco, in collaboration with the Médiathèque de Monaco. The exhibit, which will run until January 31, 2025, is designed to engage a wide audience, including students and educators in the Principality.
Throughout the day, the Period Commemoration Committee will host activities in the streets of Monaco, featuring historical uniforms, equipment, vintage vehicles, and a memorial trail from Avenue Saint-Laurent to Place du Palais. The trail will pass notable sites, including the Maison de France and Lycée Albert I.
Additional events to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe will be organised through spring 2025 by the Monaco Media Library, the Monaco Audiovisual Institute, the Directorate of National Education, Youth and Sports, and the Devoir de Mémoire association.
