French president opens D-Day ceremonies

French President François Hollande on Friday opened ceremonies marking 70 years since D-Day, paying homage to civilians and soldiers who lost their lives. Duration: 00:44

Published

about 1 month ago

Categories

World, Arts & Society

Topics

World, Military Veterans, History, Europe, Politics & Government

People

Francois Hollande

Places

France, Normandy

Transcript

SHOTLIST CAEN, FRANCE, JUNE 6, 2014, SOURCE: AFPTV IMAGES - Caen memorial - Convoy arrives - Children singing - Hollande with plaque SOUNDBITE François Hollande, French President (French, 21 sec): "On this 6th of June 2014 may our nation pay tribute to everyone, both civilians and soldiers, without any distinction due to the clothes or uniforms they wore." (In French: "En cette date du 6 juin 2014, l'hommage de la Nation puisse s'adresser à tous, à tous civils et militaires avec cette indistinction selon les vêtements et les uniformes portés") /// AFP TEXT STORY /// WWII-DDay-history-France-open,lead French president opens D-Day ceremonies =(PICTURE+VIDEO)= CAEN, France, June 6, 2014 (AFP) - French President Francois Hollande on Friday opened ceremonies marking 70 years since D-Day, paying homage to civilians and soldiers who lost their lives on the day "that changed the world." "This day, which began in chaos and fire, would end in blood and tears, tears and pain, tears and joy at the end of 24 hours that changed the world and forever marked Normandy," Holland said commemorating the historic invasion of France that hastened the end of World War II. "I would like that today, on this 70th anniversary, the nation pays homage to all, civilians and soldiers," he said. ha/yad/fb