Have you noticed the simple yet powerful inscription upon this Plaque commémorative des victimes du 3 septembre 1944? It stands as a solemn reminder of Monaco’s liberation. It is a tribute to those who resisted during World War II.
The Principality of Monaco remembers the 80th anniversary of its liberation. This liberation occurred on September 3rd. It marked freedom from Italian and German occupation during World War II. The Sovereign Prince wanted these commemorations to be special. He emphasized the American armed forces’ decisive role in the liberation.
General Robert T. Frederick’s 1st Airborne Task Force played a crucial role. They parachuted into Provence on August 15th. This forced German troops to retreat. It allowed local resistance fighters to emerge.
A special tribute was paid to General Frederick. The Monegasque State funded a bronze statue. It was unveiled in La Motte on August 14th. This town in the Var region is where the Airborne Task Force landed 80 years ago. A commemorative stamp depicting General Frederick was issued. His grandson, Bradford Hicks, was invited to the national day of remembrance on September 3rd.
A military ceremony took place at the Monaco Cemetery. It was held on September 3rd at 5 pm. The ceremony was in front of the memorial to those lost in world conflicts. Prince Albert II delivered a speech. Monegasque senior officials attended too. Military detachments from Monaco, France, and the United States paid tributes.
At 6 pm a wreath was placed at this Plaque commémorative. This plaque is on the outside of the National Council building. It honors Monegasque resistance fighter René Borghini and his liaison officer Esther Poggio. They were shot on August 15th, 1944. The Sovereign Prince inaugurated an exhibition in the Ministry of State lobby. The exhibition was titled Monaco libéré! 3 Septembre–28 Décembre 1944. It was prepared by national archives, the Prince’s Palace archives, and the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco. The exhibition welcomed pupils and teachers.
Earlier that day, the Committee for the Commemoration of the Period hosted events. These events took place in the streets of Monaco. They included antique uniforms, equipment, and vehicles. There was a memorial visit. It went from Avenue Saint-Laurent to Place du Palais.
The Monaco Multimedia Library hosted additional events. These events celebrated the end of World War II in Europe.
The 76th anniversary of Monaco’s liberation was also marked. Ceremonies were held throughout the Principality. The Principality was occupied by the Italians in 1942. Then the Germans occupied it in 1943. Monaco was liberated on September 3rd, 1944. This was thanks to American troops and resistance forces.
Many Monegasque people were heroes. René Borghini and Esther Poggio were among them. Joseph Lajoux was another Monegasque hero of the resistance.
National Council President Stéphane Valeri paid tribute to the resistance fighters. He remembered those who fell to liberate their countries. He alluded to General de Gaulle. De Gaulle’s grandson, Yves de Gaulle, attended the ceremony.
This Plaque commémorative serves as a poignant reminder. It honors those who sacrificed for Monaco’s freedom. Let us take a moment to reflect on their courage and dedication. Their actions paved the way for the Monaco we know today.