Yesterday afternoon, the city of Nice paid tribute to General De Gaulle on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of his death.
The commemoration took place on the square now bearing his name, formerly known as Liberation Square.
The band started to play when Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, President of the Metropolis, and Deputy President of the Provence-Alpes-Cรดte d’Azur Region, arrived. He gave a speech to pay homage to the General. He described what Gaullism means to him: “France being great, strong, and prosperous; the French united, confident, hardworking; enthusiastic, engaged, supportive.”
He quoted Andrรฉ Malraux: “everyone is, was, or will be Gaullist.” He defines himself as a Gaullist and laments the fact that many politicians do the same. He believes they are “small-time Gaullists, tightrope walkers, crooks, opportunists, and greedy.”
Christian Estrosi highlighted what he calls “the Gaullism of peace,” which he intends to promote. “It is this Gaullism that has only one passion, France; only one goal, its unique and universal identity; only one dream, its unity in diversity; only one conviction, social progress through prosperity; only one model, the generous and firm republic.”
Jean-Marie Ghibaudo, President of the Friends of Free France Association, and Colonel (H) Marie-Christine FIX, municipal, metropolitan councilor, and defense correspondent were also present.
A wreath of flowers was placed in front of the statue of the former president.
At the end of this commemoration, the mayor of Nice greeted the flag bearers and the guests.
