On May 7 at 6 p.m., Nice paid tribute to the soldiers who fell at Điện Biên Phủ. The commemoration took place at the War Memorial of Rauba Capeù. A solemn moment that brought together representatives of the city of Nice, families of participants and curious Nice residents.
A historical battle
Điện Biên Phủ is the final battle of the Indochina War between the French army and the troops of Hô Chi Minh, leader of the Việt Minh. For France, it is a crushing defeat; for Vietnam, it is the symbol of its independence. The fierce fighting took place from March 13 to May 7, 1954, resulting in the death of 3,000 French soldiers and nearly triple that on the opposing side.
Điện Biên Phủ also led to the signing of the Geneva Accords (July 21, 1954) ending the Indochina War and marking the beginning of French decolonization. Thus, it was only ten days later that France recognized the autonomy of Tunisia.
Course of the commemoration
First, Lieutenant-Colonel (H) Didier CODANI (President of the National Union of Paratroopers Nice Section) recounted the battles. He said “every battle is an incredible story of collective and individual heroism”, “we are here, gathered today to testify and to affirm more than 70 years later that the heroism of these battalions, that the desperate courage of these men is not forgotten.”
Then Lahncen AMGUIL (chief brigadier of Nice police and president of the association of former members of the Foreign Legion of Nice and surroundings) read the citation from the Army Order of Indochina of the Điện Biên Phủ garrison. “Ushers, Corporals, and soldiers deserve the admiration of the free world, the pride and gratitude of France. Their courage is a forever exemplary model.”
After that, wreaths were laid in the name of the paratroopers and the foreign legion by representatives of local elected officials such as the chief of staff of the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, Aurélie Lebourgeois, and the deputy mayor, Hervé de Surville, as well as a representative from the Alpes-Maritimes department and the PACA region.
Finally, there was the reading of the paratrooper’s prayer by the honorary president of the National Union of Paratroopers Nice Section: François RABUT.
This is a text written by André Zirnheld in 1938, which became the traditional song of French paratroopers and was adopted by several armies.
The commemoration was also punctuated by music played by the Nice firefighters’ band. When the Marseillaise was heard, several people in the audience proudly started singing, adding a touch of cheerfulness to the moment.
This 72nd commemoration takes place in a context where Franco-Vietnamese relations have greatly improved. While the two countries celebrated 53 years of diplomatic relations this April, French participation in the ceremonies for the 70th anniversary of Điện Biên Phủ in 2024 marked a strong gesture of reconciliation. In Nice, this tribute reminds us that behind the battle, there are above all lives, memories and a dialogue that continues to be built between the two nations.
