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|Wednesday, December 24, 2025Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
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20th-century
Arc de Triomphe in WWI & WWII: Memory and Marches
Historically grounded account of the Arc’s role during WWI and WWII.
1/25/2026
12 min read
The Arc witnessed grief and victory alike — a threshold for civic emotion.
WWI
- Post‑1918 mourning: A nation sought focus.
- 1920 interment: Unknown Soldier — anonymity honors all fallen.
WWII
- Occupation: Axis weighed under subjugation.
- Liberation: Plaza reclaimed as civic space; flags restored.
Moments at a Glance
| Era | Event | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| WWI | Unknown Soldier | Annual wreaths |
| WWII | Liberation | Public marches |
About the Author
Cultural Historian
As a Paris lover and travel writer, I created this guide to help visitors connect with the Arc’s stories — from triumphal ambition to quiet remembrance.
Tags
WWI
WWII
Remembrance
Processions
Unknown Soldier
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