The deputy LR Philippe Gosselin said he was "scandalized" 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.
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"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 their dead ?! It's mind-boggling and inconceivable", s moved the elected official from La Manche in this letter, of which AFP obtained a copy.
A "minimum service" requested
The deputy protests against a text of which the mayors have been informed which states: "Following the announcement by 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.
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"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 capella ?! The Nation could not even provide this "minimum service", but so symbolically so strong? ", he said.
"France is standing, the Republic is not vacillating rightly! And it is honoring its dead!" Insists Philippe Gosselin, recalling that May 8 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the return of prisoners of Germany, the liberation of the camps and the victory against Nazism. "And all of this should be wiped clean, because the virus is there?" Asked the deputy who asked "solemnly Emmanuel Macron to reverse this cancellation.
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The Secretary of State to the Minister of the Armed Forces, Geneviève Darrieussecq, confirmed Friday before the Defense Committee of the National Assembly that the memorial ceremonies of April 26 (day of remembrance for the victims of the deportation) and of 8- May were "canceled in each department" because "there is no question of creating groups composed very often mostly of veterans and standard bearers".
"Nevertheless, these days will be marked nationally". 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 for the moment "concerning the national holiday of July 14.