The deputy LR Philippe Gosselin said he was "scandalized" this Saturday, in a letter addressed to Emmanuel Macron, by the cancellation of the ceremonies of May 8, marking the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism, because of the crisis of coronavirus.
“A few days before the start of the new school year (…), when everyone can go and buy kibble to feed their dogs or cats (…), could France not honor its dead? ! It is mind-boggling and inconceivable, ”the elected representative of La Manche was moved in this letter, of which AFP obtained a copy.
For Philippe Gosselin, "the Republic must honor its dead"
The deputy protests against a text of which the mayors have been informed which stipulates: "following the announcement of Mr. President of the Republic of the extension made necessary for the fight against Covid-19, and in accordance with ministerial instructions, all commemorative and patriotic ceremonies are canceled until May 11 ”, the date of the beginning of a progressive deconfinement in France.
"At this stage, it is not even planned that in each department, the prefect accompanied, for example, the mayor of the chief town, a standard-bearer and some representatives of the combatant world, lays a wreath and intones the Marseillaise a cappella? ! The Nation could not even provide this "minimum service", but symbolically so strong? "He said.
"France is on its feet, the Republic is not vacillating! And she honors her dead! ", Insists Philippe Gosselin, recalling that May 8 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the return of prisoners from Germany, the liberation of the camps and the victory against Nazism. "And all of this should be wiped clean, because the virus is there?" Asks the deputy.
It's official, "there will be no local ceremonies"
The Secretary of State to the Minister of the Armed Forces, Geneviève Darrieussecq, confirmed Friday to the Defense Committee of the National Assembly that the memorial ceremonies of April 26 (day of remembrance for victims of the deportation) and May 8 were "canceled in each department" because "there is no question of creating groups composed very often mostly of veterans and standard bearers".
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"Nevertheless, these days will be marked nationally," she said. And on May 8, “a ceremony will be organized in a particular format which will be broadcast throughout France. But there will be no local ceremonies, "she added, adding that nothing was" established yet "regarding the national holiday on July 14.
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