WWII Tanks and Jeeps in the Streets of Paris

The Paris Vignettes series features the inspired work of street photographer William “Bill” O’Such in themed installments

I hadn’t known about the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris until I serendipitously came across a park medallion marking the date, while touring the 13th district on a street art walk. So I rearranged my weekend plans and convinced a friend to join me. Arriving a bit early at the event, I was lucky enough to secure a great spot.

While waiting for the event to begin, I noticed the first group was carrying a Spanish flag. I asked a nearby French person about it, and she explained that the first group to march into Paris as part of Leclerc’s army was “La Nueve” (the 9th company), made up of Spanish soldiers.

Suddenly, la Nueve kicked off the march, soon followed by a group with a French flag. The parade was in full swing. French flags were handed out to the crowd, and we waved them as tanks, motorcycles, half-tracks, and jeeps rolled by. After the procession, the crowd gathered and headed towards Place Denfert-Rochereau together. It was exciting to be part of this group, walking with others and waving flags at people watching from their windows.

Once we arrived, large screens were set up, broadcasting the various events, including a segment of a historical presentation by Jodie Foster! But the grand finale came from the north, with the colors of the “Patrouille de France” streaking across the sky in blue, white, and red.