Commemoration of the Second Landing in Southern France

Commemorating the Second Landing in Southern France

On Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron visited the south of France to solemnly commemorate the second landing during World War II—a pivotal event that is often overshadowed by the more famous D-Day. This operation saw over 350,000 Allied troops storm the beaches of Provence, eventually leading to the liberation of key cities such as Marseille and Toulon, before advancing northward.

The southern landing, which occurred on August 15, 1944, was notable not only for its military significance but also for the substantial participation of African soldiers conscripted from French colonies. This moment came just over two months after D-Day, where Allied forces bravely fought their way onto the shores of Normandy in June 1944.

Despite its importance, the southern landing has not received the same recognition as D-Day. President Macron emphasized this during his address, stating, “The air of Aug. 15 animates us still and makes of us a people that is stubbornly free. A people who, that day, was also liberated by this African army. Let us forget nothing.”

For decades, the narrative surrounding this second landing has been marked by a troubling neglect in postwar French history. Official disinterest, coupled with obfuscation and dismissive attitudes, has long clouded the contributions of France’s Black soldiers. However, this oversight has gradually been rectified over the past twenty years, largely due to persistent advocacy.

These brave soldiers fought valiantly alongside American, British, and Canadian forces under the command of General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny. They played a crucial role in ousting the Nazis from a vast region of southern France, achieving significant victories that included the liberation of Lyon. The legacy of these African troops is a vital chapter in the history of France’s fight for freedom and deserves to be honored and remembered.