Yesterday morning, at the Nice City Hall, the follow-up committee for July 14th took place. Christian Estrosi, alongside members of the associations Life for Nice and Promenade des Anges, shared the main decisions regarding the commemorations for the upcoming July 14th and looks ahead to 2021.
In Nice, as elsewhere in France this year, no large patriotic ceremony will be held on July 14th. The Covid-19 pandemic is the primary reason.
Four years after the Islamist terror attack with a truck on the Promenade des Anglais, where 86 people lost their lives, the ceremony this year will take place within the Villa Masséna rather than in the gardens. The privacy of families will be prioritized, with the opportunity for reflection in front of the memorial. Residents of Nice will then be able to lay a rose, provided by the city.
The Prefect will then present a victim’s medal to the families who wish to receive one. At precisely 10:34 PM, 86 beams of light will be illuminated in tribute to the 86 victims, followed by the release of paper lanterns or doves.
The 5th Anniversary in Perspective
2021 will be the first significant milestone. It is already planned to make the monument at Villa Masséna permanent. A commemorative stele will be placed on the Promenade des Anglais, along with an artistic piece at the memorial site for all the major historical plaques of the city of Nice (on the Castle Hill).
Cultural figures such as Professor Ralph Schor will form the jury to determine the proposed artwork. A set of requirements will be drafted during the summer, allowing the project to be launched in September, with an international scope.
