A poignant tribute unfolded on the morning of Wednesday, June 18 at Square Winston Churchill as Monaco joined France and the United Kingdom in marking the National Remembrance Day of the historic Appel du 18 Juin, commemorating General Charles de Gaulle’s powerful call to resistance in 1940, and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The ceremony, held in front of the statue of Sir Winston Churchill on Avenue de Grande Bretagne, was jointly led by the French Ambassador to Monaco, Monsieur Jean D’Haussonville, and the British Honorary Consul to Monaco, Mr Eric Blair. A considerable number of local dignitaries and residents gathered for the occasion.
The ceremony included the laying of a wreath beneath the Churchill monument, followed by a solemn reading of the Appel du 18 Juin, the iconic speech delivered by General de Gaulle from London in 1940, which marked the birth of the Free French Forces and became a symbol of resistance against Nazi occupation.
The choice of Square Churchill as the venue was especially symbolic. Sir Winston Churchill, whose statue presides over the square, stood as Britain’s wartime Prime Minister and one of the most resolute figures in the Allied resistance to Nazi Germany. His steadfast support for de Gaulle and the Free French effort created a lasting bond between the two nations — a relationship visibly honoured today in Monaco.
This year’s ceremony held additional weight, marking eight decades since the guns of World War II fell silent in Europe. With many veterans now passing into history, attendees were reminded of the importance of continuing to tell their stories and honouring the values they fought for — liberty, resilience, and unity.
As the morning sun illuminated the flags of France, Britain, and Monaco, the event served not only as a remembrance of past sacrifices but also as a reaffirmation of collective memory and shared heritage. The message was clear: history must not only be remembered — it must be understood, retold, and respected.
