Europe

French President Hollande leads WWII commemorations in Paris

Associated Press
Published | Updated

FILE - In this April 24, 2013 file photo, French President Francois Hollande talks to the media after the weekly cabinet meeting in Paris. The most unpopular president in France’s modern history, Francois Hollande, is preparing the ground for a potential re-election bid. The 61-year-old Socialist president has not formally announced his intention to run, but more and more signs are emerging that he’s in campaign mode. The government set the dates this week for the next election _ two rounds on April 23 and May 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon, File) (The Associated Press)

French President Francois Hollande, center, lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during commemorations at the Arc de Triomphe marking the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II, in Paris, France, Sunday, May 8, 2016. 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. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu, Pool) (The Associated Press)

French President Francois Hollande re-kindles the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during commemorations at the Arc de Triomphe marking the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II, in Paris, France, Sunday, May 8, 2016. 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. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu, Pool) (The Associated Press)

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.