French President Emmanuel Macron and president of France’s Assemblée Nationale Yael Braun-Pivet paid a moving tribute at the Maison d’Izieu memorial to the deported Jewish children in Izieu, France on April 7, 2024. This visit marked the beginning of the second act of Macron’s commemorations of the 80th anniversary of WWII, focusing on “the Liberation as the rebirth of the country.”
The president first honored the resistance fighters of the Plateau des Glières, who were eliminated by the German army in March 1944, before traveling to Izieu to remember the 44 Jewish children who were deported and murdered at Auschwitz in April 1944. This visit is just the start of a series of commemorations that will fill Macron’s schedule until winter, including tributes to Resistance fighters in the Vercors mountains, Marseille, Normandy, and more.
Macron’s dedication to reconciliation through history has been evident since before his election, with a focus on honoring the past to shape the present and future. Historian Jean Garrigues noted that the president seems to have a personal affinity for these historical events and grand ceremonies.
The upcoming commemorations will continue to highlight France’s role in WWII and its path to recognition by the international community. Macron’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices and resilience of those who fought for freedom and justice during the war is a central theme of his presidency.