To mark the 82nd anniversary of the Principality’s liberation, Mayor Georges Marsan has announced that a formal Remembrance Ceremony will take place on Thursday 3rd September at 4pm at the Monaco Cemetery.
The commemorative event will pay tribute to all those who fought and sacrificed their lives during World War II.
A look back: World War II and the occupation of Monaco
To understand the significance of this anniversary, it helps to look back at what Monaco endured during the Second World War.
Although the Principality initially declared its neutrality, its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast made it a target. As the global conflict escalated, Monaco was subjected to foreign military control.
The Italian Occupation lasted from 1942 to 1943. Following Allied military operations in North Africa, Italian forces moved into Monaco to secure the coastline.
The German Occupation followed from 1943 to 1944. When Italy surrendered to the Allies in September 1943, German troops quickly replaced the Italians, tightening control over the region until the Allied advance finally forced them out in September 1944.
During these years of occupation, local residents faced severe food shortages, political pressure, and the constant threat of the war. Despite these dangers, an underground resistance movement formed within the Principality to fight back.
Programme of remembrance and honouring heroes
The 3rd September commemorations will begin at the cemetery before moving to the municipal Monument aux Morts, where official wreaths will be laid.
A central focus of the ceremony will be paying tribute at the graves of René Borghini and Joseph Lajoux, two of Monaco’s most revered Resistance heroes. Borghini, who served as Secretary to the Presidency of the National Council, and Lajoux were key leaders in the underground network. They were captured by occupying forces and executed just weeks before Monaco’s liberation, leaving a lasting legacy of bravery and sacrifice.
Participation of patriotic societies
Local patriotic associations and veterans’ groups are formally invited to join municipal authorities in the ceremony.
Organisations wishing to participate must register with Vanessa Guillot, Protocol Officer for the Mairie, by Wednesday 26th August. Enquiries can be sent via email to protocole@mairie.mc or by telephone at 93.15.28.05.
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Photo Credit: Mairie de Monaco