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French President Francois Hollande on Sunday led commemorations in Paris marking the end of World War II in Europe.

Under a basking sun, Hollande began the proceedings by laying a wreath at the statue of Charles de Gaulle, the former president and leader of the French WWII government-in-exile. Hollande observed a minute of silence before a rendition of the French national anthem. He then shook hands and chatted with General De Gaulle's grandson, Yves.

A cortege followed Hollande up to the Place de l'Etoile, where he laid another wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Victory in Europe Day is celebrated on May 8 to mark the date in 1945 that WWII ended in Europe following Nazi Germany's surrender of its armed forces.