The Principality of Monaco has marked the 80th anniversary of its World War II liberation with a day of solemn ceremonies, moving speeches and historical reenactments of the pivotal role the Allied forces played here in 1944.
On Tuesday 3rd September, Monaco commemorated its liberation from Italian and later German occupation during the Second World War. The event served as a poignant reminder of the 1944 events and the crucial contributions of the Allied forces.
The day began with a military ceremony at the Monaco Cemetery, held before the monument dedicated to those who lost their lives in the world conflicts of the 20th century.
Prince Albert II presided over the ceremony and delivered a moving speech in front of military detachments from Monaco, France and the United States. He also unveiled a commemorative plaque in memory of René Borghini, a Monegasque resistance fighter, and his liaison officer, Esther Poggio, who were executed on 15th August 1944.
Later in the day, the Prince formally inaugurated an exhibition entitled ‘Monaco Libéré! 3 September-28 December 1944’. Prepared in collaboration with the National Archives’ Prefiguration Mission, the Archives of the Prince’s Palace, the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco and the Médiathèque de Monaco, the exhibition will be on display in the lobby of the Ministry of State until 31st January 2025.
Throughout the day, the Vintage Commemoration Committee, alongside MonacoUSA, hosted various activities across the Principality. These included displays of period uniforms, equipment and vehicles, as well as a memorial parade from Avenue Saint-Laurent to the Place du Palais, with stops at the Maison de France and the Lycée Albert Ier.
Additional events are planned for spring 2025. They will be organised by local institutions, including the Médiathèque de Monaco, the Monaco Audiovisual Institute, the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports, and the Devoir de Mémoire association.
To see more of the commemorations, watch the Monaco Life reel below:
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Photo credits: Stéphane Danna / Frédéric Nebinger / Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco / Monaco Communications Department