French President Emmanuel Macron reignited the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on May 8, 2024, during a ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II. After this ceremony, he flew to Marseille to welcome the Olympic flame. Macron first paid his respects at the statue of General de Gaulle on the Champs-Elysées before traveling up the famous avenue in his car, accompanied by the Republican Guard on horseback. He then spent time greeting former soldiers and took selfies with spectators in the stands.
The French President was then expected in Marseille to participate in the official ceremony for the arrival of the Olympic flame in France. The three-masted ship Belem, which transported the flame from Greece to Marseille, arrived in Marseille after twelve days at sea, welcomed by 150,000 people. This arrival marked one hundred years since the last Summer Olympics in France. The Olympic cauldron would be lit for the first time at 7:45 pm on the Vieux-Port, with Olympic champion Florent Manaudou being the first to carry the flame onto a floating athletics track created for the occasion.
Before the Olympic flame ceremony, Macron was scheduled to inaugurate the Tangram Training Center, established by the maritime transport company CMA CGM. Located within the French National Higher Maritime School in Marseille, this center is designed as a place for training and innovation in the sustainable logistics and maritime transport fields of the future. The Elysée Palace stated that this center would be dedicated to the employees of the company. Overall, Macron’s day was filled with commemorative events and celebrations, honoring the past achievements and looking towards a sustainable future in transport and logistics.
The participation of President Macron in the events of the day highlighted the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during World War II while also celebrating the spirit of unity and cooperation that the Olympics represent. By reigniting the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and welcoming the Olympic flame in Marseille, Macron demonstrated a commitment to honoring the past and building a better future through sports and sustainable development. The presence of former soldiers and spectators at the ceremonies added to the significance of the day, reminding everyone of the importance of peace and remembrance in a world still marked by conflicts and challenges.
As Macron took part in various ceremonies and events throughout the day, he showcased his leadership and commitment to key issues such as historical remembrance, sports, and sustainable development. By linking the commemoration of the Armistice of 1945 with the arrival of the Olympic flame in France, Macron emphasized the continuity of values such as peace, unity, and progress. His presence at the inauguration of the Tangram Training Center also highlighted the importance of investing in education and innovation for the future of maritime transport and logistics. Overall, Macron’s actions on this day reflected the multifaceted role of a national leader in commemorating the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future.
