8 May: celebration of the Allied victory over Nazism
A large crowd gathered in the Collectivité’s gardens on Friday 8 May to commemorate a historic date: the Allied victory over Hitler’s Third Reich. 81 years ago, freedom triumphed over Nazism and brought the Second World War in Europe to an end.
In a global context increasingly marked by conflict, it seems important to remember this war, which remains the deadliest of all time, with over 50 million deaths, half of whom were civilians. This national day, a public holiday since 1981, pays tribute to those men and women who defended the values of the Republic at the cost of their lives, through combat and resistance.
The ceremony took place in the presence of the Prefect of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, Cyrille Le Vély, the Vice-Rector, Harry Christophe, the 4th Vice-President of the Collectivité, Michel Petit, the Commander of the Gendarmerie, Hugues Loyez, representatives of the police forces, cadets from the Gendarmerie, the fire brigade, the Red Cross, the Territorial Youth Council… and, of course, the veterans’ association. Particularly notable were the representatives of the French Navy, who were calling at Saint-Martin on the overseas support and assistance vessel, the Dumont d’Urville.
The traditional wreath-laying took place in pairs this year: with the President of the Territorial Youth Council for Michel Petit, and with young cyclists for the Prefect and for Jean Richard, President of the Veterans’ Association. The ceremony marked the starting point for the young people taking part in the Neighbourhood Olympics.
As is often the tradition at such ceremonies, four prominent figures from civil society were honoured for their commitment to the territory and the public good. On behalf of the Minister for Overseas Territories, they received the Medal of Honour for Overseas Commitment (bronze level) from the Prefect, including Maé Bridier, director of the Compagnons Bâtisseurs.
