Pétainist song accidentally broadcast during French Victory Day ceremony
Vichy-era song broadcast during French WWII victory ceremony sparked mayor's legal action against radio contractor.
Event / Society
World War II Victory Commemoration
Official commemorations and events marking the Allied victory in World War II, including incidents and controversies related to the observances.
9 reported locations
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 8 May, 11:38 UTC
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What happened
Carpentras mayor announces contract termination and legal complaint against radio contractor
Mayor Hervé de Lépinau announced his intention to terminate the contract with RTV FM and file a legal complaint against the contractor. De Lépinau characterized the incident as 'malicious action intended to cause harm,' though he stated the accidental broadcast did not spoil the commemoration day, which included a reconstructed WWII military camp and 1940s-era festivities.
Pétainist song 'Maréchal, nous voilà!' played through Carpentras city speakers on May 8 commemoration
On May 8, 2025, during France's official commemoration of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany, the song 'Maréchal, nous voilà!' – an anthem glorifying Marshal Pétain and the Vichy regime – was broadcast through public loudspeakers in Carpentras around 5:30 PM. The song was heard on the town square during festivities following the patriotic ceremony.
Carpentras mayor initially denies but then acknowledges song broadcast without municipal approval
Hervé de Lépinau, the far-right (RN) mayor of Carpentras, initially contested the authenticity of video evidence showing the song broadcast. After further questioning, he admitted the song was indeed played but claimed the municipality was unaware of it. He stated that a third-party contractor responsible for the day's musical programming had not had their playlist verified by municipal services beforehand.
RTV FM radio station apologizes for accidental broadcast of Pétainist song
RTV FM, a local radio station contracted with Carpentras for musical programming, issued a public apology via social media. The station explained that the controversial song was accidentally included in a prerecorded sequence titled 'Le bal de la Libération' (Liberation Ball) and was broadcast unintentionally. RTV FM stated the accidental broadcast did not reflect the station's values and explicitly absolved the mayor and municipal officials of responsibility.
Pontarlier mayor Patrick Comte participates in first May 8 ceremony in new office
Patrick Comte participated in the May 8 commemoration ceremony at Pontarlier for the first time as newly elected mayor, having taken office several weeks prior. The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard and a large public attendance.
Toulouse holds organized May 8 commemoration with municipal youth council participation
The city of Toulouse held an official ceremony on May 8, 2026 at the Monument aux Morts at allées Forain François Verdier. The ceremony included wreath-laying by authorities, moments of silence, the national anthem, and official speeches by the Municipal Youth Council, the president of the Former Combatants Association, and a prefectural representative. The ceremony concluded with the Chant des Partisans and a formal procession to Place Jean-Louis Puig with flag honors and music from municipal and conservatory ensembles.
School children participate in Toul May 8 commemoration ceremony
Elementary school students from grades CE2, CM1, and CM2 from Lydie Le Piouff school group participated in the May 8 commemoration ceremony in Toul. The children were invited by the Souvenir Français association to attend and sang the Chant des Partisans accompanied by accordion, with two students laying a wreath at the monument.
France commemorates 81st anniversary of World War II victory on May 8
France held official commemorative ceremonies on May 8, 2026, marking the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. The main ceremony took place at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris under the direction of President Emmanuel Macron, with similar ceremonies held throughout the country in towns and cities. The date commemorates May 8, 1945, when Germany signed an unconditional surrender, ending combat operations in Europe.
Toulouse traffic disruptions expected during May 8 commemoration ceremonies
Traffic disruptions were anticipated in Toulouse on May 8, 2026 due to commemorative ceremonies and processions. The allées Forain François Verdier area was closed between 11:00 and 12:30 for the ceremony and cortege, with officials recommending use of public transportation. Dense traffic was also expected on the A61 motorway between Toulouse and Narbonne, particularly in the morning toward the Mediterranean and on Sunday May 10 at 14:00 on the return journey.
Deputy Dominique Potier attends final May 8 ceremony before retirement
Deputy Dominique Potier participated in May 8 commemorative ceremonies in Toul and announced this would be his final such ceremony, as he has decided not to seek re-election in upcoming legislative elections.
French government officials attend May 8 commemoration ceremonies
French government officials including Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin, delegated minister Alice Rufo, and newly elected Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire attended the May 8 commemorative ceremonies. Armed forces leadership and other government representatives participated in the official events held throughout the country.
Macron indicates May 8 ceremony is likely his last as president
President Emmanuel Macron spent extended time greeting volunteers, association representatives, and military leaders at the May 8 ceremony, signaling this may be his final such ceremony as president. The next presidential election could occur around the date of the historical commemoration, suggesting a potential change in leadership before the next May 8 observance.
President Macron presides over Arc de Triomphe ceremony in Paris
President Emmanuel Macron presided over the main commemorative ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on May 8, 2026. The ceremony began at 10:30 with a wreath-laying at the statue of General Charles de Gaulle on the Champs-Élysées, followed by a moment of silence and the national anthem. Macron then proceeded to the Arc de Triomphe where he reviewed troops, laid a wreath, and revived the Flame of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony concluded with the ringing of the death knell, another moment of silence, and performances of La Marseillaise and the Chant des Partisans.
French battalion participated in Pacific War after European armistice
After the end of combat in Europe, a French regiment, the Pacific Battalion, continued fighting in the Pacific against Japan until Japan's capitulation in early September 1945. This force, which grew to as many as 2,000 men, was not dissolved until May 5, 1946, once the overseas soldiers were repatriated to France.
French military choir performed 'Song of the Partisans' at commemoration
The French Army Choir performed the 'Chant des Partisans' (Song of the Partisans), the anthem of the French Resistance, at the May 8 commemoration ceremony on the Champs-Élysées in the presence of President Emmanuel Macron.
Nuremberg Trials of Nazi leaders began in November 1945
Following the end of World War II combat, the Nuremberg Trials began in November 1945 to prosecute Nazi leaders. The trials lasted nearly one year, concluding on October 1, 1946. The trials had significant international implications for the judicial prosecution of war crimes. Japanese war leaders were tried separately in a different trial that concluded in 1948, but did not receive the same international attention.
May 8 commemorations in Forbach celebrated with municipal ceremony
The city of Forbach held May 8 commemoration ceremonies at its War Memorial, celebrating the victory over Nazi Germany. Mayor Alexandre Cassaro read a message from Defense Minister and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, emphasizing that the victory represented respect for the sovereignty of each people and the dignity of each person against those who sought to reduce the continent to an empire of masters and slaves.
Brigitte Macron absent from May 8 commemoration ceremony
First Lady Brigitte Macron was absent from the May 8 commemoration ceremonies at the Arc de Triomphe, where President Emmanuel Macron laid a wreath and revived the Flame of the Unknown Soldier. Other officials including Yaël Braun-Pivet, Gérard Larcher, and Emmanuel Grégoire were present. The First Lady's absence follows the official protocol for May 8 commemorations, which does not require the president's spouse, unlike the July 14 Bastille Day ceremony. She had attended the previous year's May 8 ceremony.
France commemorates 81st anniversary of World War II victory in Europe
France commemorated the 81st anniversary of the victory of May 8, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. President Emmanuel Macron laid a wreath at the foot of the statue of General de Gaulle on the Champs-Élysées and presided over a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe. The ceremony included a military review featuring students from Polytechnique and the French Navy school, followed by tributes to those who died for France, and concluded with honors to the Flame committee, flag bearers, and salutes from political and military authorities.
May 8 became a French public holiday in 1953
May 8 became an official public holiday in France in 1953. The status of the date has evolved significantly over eighty years: it lost its holiday status in 1959, was commemorated again in 1968, and was downgraded to a regular working day in 1975. President François Mitterrand restored its status as a public holiday in 1981, where it has remained since.
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2 alternative perspectives
Young people step forward in regional Victory Day ceremonies across France
French youth councils and schoolchildren participate in growing numbers of regional Victory Day ceremonies.
Macron presides over Arc de Triomphe ceremony, signals final presidential observance
Macron presides over May 8 ceremony, signals it may be his final presidential commemoration.
Brigitte Macron absent from France's World War II victory ceremony
France's First Lady Brigitte Macron did not attend the May 8 World War II victory ceremony in Paris.
French battalion extended fight to Pacific after European victory
French forces continued combat in the Pacific after Europe's armistice, expanding France's World War II contribution.
France marks 81 years since World War II victory in Europe
France commemorated 81 years since WWII victory with military performances and ceremonies nationwide.