1
00:00:00,137 --> 00:00:01,130
(audience applauding)

2
00:00:01,130 --> 00:00:04,080
- [Announcer] Inspector General
of the United States Army,

3
00:00:04,080 --> 00:00:06,113
Lieutenant General Leslie Smith.

4
00:00:07,563 --> 00:00:10,730
(audience applauding)

5
00:00:12,370 --> 00:00:14,640
Friends of the National
World War II Memorial

6
00:00:14,640 --> 00:00:15,830
Board of Directors,

7
00:00:15,830 --> 00:00:19,890
retired Army Lieutenant
General Mick Kicklighter.

8
00:00:19,890 --> 00:00:23,057
(audience applauding)

9
00:00:25,270 --> 00:00:29,210
Retired French Chief of
Army, General Bruno Cuche.

10
00:00:29,210 --> 00:00:32,377
(audience applauding)

11
00:00:34,690 --> 00:00:37,720
Representing the Embassy of
France and Ambassador Etienne

12
00:00:37,720 --> 00:00:40,040
is Defense Attache and French Air Force

13
00:00:40,040 --> 00:00:41,993
Brigadier General Jean-Marie Montegu.

14
00:00:42,922 --> 00:00:46,089
(audience applauding)

15
00:00:48,570 --> 00:00:51,050
Chairwoman of the First
Alliance Foundation,

16
00:00:51,050 --> 00:00:52,563
the Honorable Carole Brookins.

17
00:00:53,577 --> 00:00:56,744
(audience applauding)

18
00:00:59,580 --> 00:01:02,770
Retired French Lieutenant
General, Olivier Tramond,

19
00:01:02,770 --> 00:01:05,675
co-chairman of the First
Alliance Foundation.

20
00:01:05,675 --> 00:01:08,842
(audience applauding)

21
00:01:11,910 --> 00:01:13,370
Miss Susan Eisenhower,

22
00:01:13,370 --> 00:01:17,228
the grand-daughter of the
General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

23
00:01:17,228 --> 00:01:20,395
(audience applauding)

24
00:01:23,520 --> 00:01:25,630
Commanding General of the
28th Infantry Division,

25
00:01:25,630 --> 00:01:28,161
Major General Andrew Schafer.

26
00:01:28,161 --> 00:01:31,328
(audience applauding)

27
00:01:34,190 --> 00:01:36,920
First Brigade Commander of
the Fourth Infantry Division,

28
00:01:36,920 --> 00:01:39,263
Colonel Ike Sallee.

29
00:01:39,263 --> 00:01:42,430
(audience applauding)

30
00:01:46,600 --> 00:01:49,770
Commander of the French
501st Combat Tank Regiment,

31
00:01:49,770 --> 00:01:51,270
part of the Armored Brigade,

32
00:01:51,270 --> 00:01:54,900
formerly the World War II
Leclerc Second Armored Division,

33
00:01:54,900 --> 00:01:57,159
Colonel Gregory Colombani.

34
00:01:57,159 --> 00:02:00,326
(audience applauding)

35
00:02:03,570 --> 00:02:05,071
Bishop to the French Army,

36
00:02:05,071 --> 00:02:07,754
Monseigneur Antoine de Romanet.

37
00:02:07,754 --> 00:02:10,921
(audience applauding)

38
00:02:14,154 --> 00:02:16,380
Military District of
Washington Army Chaplain,

39
00:02:16,380 --> 00:02:19,122
Lieutenant Colonel Tammie Crews.

40
00:02:19,122 --> 00:02:22,289
(audience applauding)

41
00:02:25,081 --> 00:02:26,410
From the Embassy of France,

42
00:02:26,410 --> 00:02:29,006
Colonel Remy Bosorollo.

43
00:02:29,006 --> 00:02:32,173
(audience applauding)

44
00:02:36,190 --> 00:02:38,450
And ladies and gentlemen,
let's have a big welcome

45
00:02:38,450 --> 00:02:41,828
for our World War II veterans.

46
00:02:41,828 --> 00:02:44,995
(audience applauding)

47
00:03:41,970 --> 00:03:43,930
Ladies and gentlemen,
tonight we gather together

48
00:03:43,930 --> 00:03:45,930
to remember those who
helped liberate Paris,

49
00:03:45,930 --> 00:03:49,100
the iconic City of
Light, from Nazi Germany.

50
00:03:49,100 --> 00:03:50,680
As citizens of a grateful nation,

51
00:03:50,680 --> 00:03:53,380
we salute all those of
the greatest generation

52
00:03:53,380 --> 00:03:55,990
who helped preserve
freedom around the globe.

53
00:03:55,990 --> 00:03:58,330
We are honored tonight to
welcome our French allies

54
00:03:58,330 --> 00:04:01,560
who are here representing
our ever-enduring alliance.

55
00:04:01,560 --> 00:04:03,320
To all of our World War II veterans,

56
00:04:03,320 --> 00:04:04,820
we owe a debt of gratitude

57
00:04:04,820 --> 00:04:06,810
and our lasting appreciation
for their service

58
00:04:06,810 --> 00:04:08,240
to our country.

59
00:04:08,240 --> 00:04:10,220
A special thanks to the
World War II veterans

60
00:04:10,220 --> 00:04:12,680
joining us today and seated before you.

61
00:04:12,680 --> 00:04:15,160
Ladies and gentlemen, we
welcome a World War II veteran,

62
00:04:15,160 --> 00:04:17,950
Leonard Smith, who served
in the Pacific Theater

63
00:04:17,950 --> 00:04:21,194
of Operations in the Eighth
Army's General Headquarters.

64
00:04:21,194 --> 00:04:24,361
(audience applauding)

65
00:04:27,540 --> 00:04:30,410
Mr. Harry Miller, a
veteran of World War II,

66
00:04:30,410 --> 00:04:32,060
Korea, and Vietnam.

67
00:04:32,060 --> 00:04:34,650
He served in the US
Army during World War II

68
00:04:34,650 --> 00:04:36,860
taking part in the Battle of the Bulge.

69
00:04:36,860 --> 00:04:39,380
He also served with the Army in Korea

70
00:04:39,380 --> 00:04:41,693
and with the Air Force during Vietnam.

71
00:04:42,544 --> 00:04:45,711
(audience applauding)

72
00:04:49,350 --> 00:04:52,500
And World War II veteran,
Mr. Herman Zeitchik,

73
00:04:52,500 --> 00:04:55,230
who stormed Utah Beach at H-Hour on D-Day,

74
00:04:55,230 --> 00:04:57,670
with the Army's Fourth Infantry Division.

75
00:04:57,670 --> 00:04:59,310
He fought in the Battle of the Bulge,

76
00:04:59,310 --> 00:05:00,680
helped liberate Paris,

77
00:05:00,680 --> 00:05:03,183
and he helped liberate Dachau.

78
00:05:03,183 --> 00:05:08,183
(audience cheering)
(audience applauding)

79
00:05:10,510 --> 00:05:12,030
Ladies and gentlemen,
let's have another round

80
00:05:12,030 --> 00:05:16,063
of applause for these fine World
War II veterans here today.

81
00:05:16,063 --> 00:05:21,063
(audience whistling)
(audience applauding)

82
00:05:32,140 --> 00:05:34,140
Ladies and gentlemen,
please remain standing

83
00:05:34,140 --> 00:05:36,450
for the presentation of the colors,

84
00:05:36,450 --> 00:05:37,530
by the Military District

85
00:05:37,530 --> 00:05:39,750
of Washington's Armed Forces Colors,

86
00:05:39,750 --> 00:05:41,800
the Fourth Infantry Division,

87
00:05:41,800 --> 00:05:43,047
the 28th Infantry Division,

88
00:05:43,047 --> 00:05:46,650
and the French 501st Combat Tank Regiment.

89
00:05:46,650 --> 00:05:48,180
We ask that you please remain standing

90
00:05:48,180 --> 00:05:50,020
for the playing of the National Anthems,

91
00:05:50,020 --> 00:05:53,260
performed by the United States
Army Band "Pershing's Own,"

92
00:05:53,260 --> 00:05:55,910
and the invocation by Army
Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel

93
00:05:55,910 --> 00:05:56,953
Tammie Crews.

94
00:06:00,197 --> 00:06:03,197
("National Emblem")

95
00:07:08,687 --> 00:07:10,937
- [Commander] Present arms.

96
00:07:18,303 --> 00:07:21,303
("La Marseillaise")

97
00:08:45,745 --> 00:08:49,162
("Star-Spangled Banner")

98
00:09:48,384 --> 00:09:49,217
Over.

99
00:10:00,031 --> 00:10:03,031
("National Emblem")

100
00:11:11,164 --> 00:11:14,175
- [Tammie Crews] Let us pray.

101
00:11:14,175 --> 00:11:17,120
Gracious God, you have ordered our lives

102
00:11:17,120 --> 00:11:19,590
in the compassion of your will.

103
00:11:19,590 --> 00:11:21,210
Here in our nation's capital,

104
00:11:21,210 --> 00:11:24,150
we are reminded of Washington and Lincoln,

105
00:11:24,150 --> 00:11:26,080
one, the 18th century father,

106
00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:30,450
and the other, the 19th century
preserver of our nation,

107
00:11:30,450 --> 00:11:31,283
and between them,

108
00:11:31,283 --> 00:11:33,530
we honor those who took up the struggle

109
00:11:33,530 --> 00:11:37,390
for liberty and justice,
freedom and peace in Europe,

110
00:11:37,390 --> 00:11:39,570
and the liberation of Paris.

111
00:11:39,570 --> 00:11:43,650
Today, we remember the struggle
in the liberation of Paris,

112
00:11:43,650 --> 00:11:47,070
those who survived and those
who gave all their tomorrows

113
00:11:47,070 --> 00:11:50,230
that we might have all of our todays.

114
00:11:50,230 --> 00:11:52,650
We remember the courage and patriotism

115
00:11:52,650 --> 00:11:54,640
of the French Resistance,

116
00:11:54,640 --> 00:11:57,740
who resolved against all
odds to fight for freedom

117
00:11:57,740 --> 00:12:00,360
of their city and of their nation,

118
00:12:00,360 --> 00:12:02,663
in a manner worthy of France.

119
00:12:04,950 --> 00:12:07,080
Never in the field of human conflict

120
00:12:07,080 --> 00:12:10,650
was so much owed by so many to so few.

121
00:12:10,650 --> 00:12:14,700
Today, we honor those among
us who were there on that day

122
00:12:14,700 --> 00:12:19,090
and those who represent those
who were there on that day.

123
00:12:19,090 --> 00:12:21,050
Bless them, we pray.

124
00:12:21,050 --> 00:12:24,250
We celebrate and honor
French, American, British,

125
00:12:24,250 --> 00:12:25,350
Spanish and others

126
00:12:25,350 --> 00:12:28,830
who were part of the greatest
hours in French history

127
00:12:28,830 --> 00:12:30,750
and who, in their patriotism,

128
00:12:30,750 --> 00:12:33,430
have given the ultimate sacrifice

129
00:12:33,430 --> 00:12:35,350
of their lives and love of country

130
00:12:35,350 --> 00:12:38,190
and their fellow comrades-at-arms.

131
00:12:38,190 --> 00:12:41,883
We pause in a moment of
silence to remember the fallen.

132
00:12:42,887 --> 00:12:46,697
"They shall grow not old as
we that are left grow old.

133
00:12:46,697 --> 00:12:49,917
"Age shall not weary them
nor the years condemn.

134
00:12:49,917 --> 00:12:53,087
"At the going down of the
sun and in the morning,

135
00:12:53,087 --> 00:12:55,200
"we will remember them."

136
00:12:55,200 --> 00:12:58,320
Their deeds, their stories, their history,

137
00:12:58,320 --> 00:13:01,040
is but a prologue of
what is in the greatness

138
00:13:01,040 --> 00:13:03,010
of what is yet to be,

139
00:13:03,010 --> 00:13:06,090
in the lives and deeds
of all who stand here

140
00:13:06,090 --> 00:13:09,220
on this sacred ground of today.

141
00:13:09,220 --> 00:13:11,860
Be now our vision, O, ruler over all,

142
00:13:11,860 --> 00:13:14,410
that we might be prayful to the task

143
00:13:14,410 --> 00:13:18,170
of being instruments of peace in our day.

144
00:13:18,170 --> 00:13:20,038
Let freedom ring.

145
00:13:20,038 --> 00:13:20,871
Amen.

146
00:13:25,570 --> 00:13:27,093
- [Announcer] Please be seated.

147
00:13:30,640 --> 00:13:32,980
The Friends of the National
World War II Memorial

148
00:13:32,980 --> 00:13:34,930
is proud of work to honor and preserve

149
00:13:34,930 --> 00:13:36,800
the national memory of World War II,

150
00:13:36,800 --> 00:13:38,800
through these very special ceremonies

151
00:13:38,800 --> 00:13:41,150
at the World War II Memorial.

152
00:13:41,150 --> 00:13:42,880
This evening's ceremony is part of

153
00:13:42,880 --> 00:13:45,260
the Friends of the National
World War II Memorial's

154
00:13:45,260 --> 00:13:49,420
four year World War II 75th
anniversary commemoration,

155
00:13:49,420 --> 00:13:52,290
which kicked off on
Pearl Harbor Day, 2016,

156
00:13:52,290 --> 00:13:54,980
and will continue through
the 75th anniversary

157
00:13:54,980 --> 00:13:59,010
of V-J Day on September 2nd, 2020.

158
00:13:59,010 --> 00:14:01,640
Friends is the only
organization hosting a full

159
00:14:01,640 --> 00:14:04,710
four-year 75th anniversary commemoration,

160
00:14:04,710 --> 00:14:06,300
marking every major battle

161
00:14:06,300 --> 00:14:09,423
in which American troops
participated during World War II.

162
00:14:10,750 --> 00:14:12,860
We're grateful to retired Army Lieutenant

163
00:14:12,860 --> 00:14:16,220
General Mick Kicklighter for
his many years of service

164
00:14:16,220 --> 00:14:17,660
to Friends as Chairman

165
00:14:17,660 --> 00:14:19,850
and a member of the Board of Directors.

166
00:14:19,850 --> 00:14:20,700
Ladies and gentlemen,

167
00:14:20,700 --> 00:14:23,470
please welcome General Mick Kicklighter.

168
00:14:23,470 --> 00:14:26,637
(audience applauding)

169
00:14:29,462 --> 00:14:31,387
- [Mick Kicklighter] Deputy
Secretary of Defense Norquist

170
00:14:32,260 --> 00:14:34,900
so many other distinguished guests,

171
00:14:34,900 --> 00:14:37,940
and especially our delegation from France,

172
00:14:37,940 --> 00:14:39,620
on behalf of the Board of the Friends

173
00:14:39,620 --> 00:14:42,360
of the National World War II Memorial,

174
00:14:42,360 --> 00:14:46,710
thank you all for coming
to this historic ceremony.

175
00:14:46,710 --> 00:14:51,310
We especially welcome and
thank our honored guests,

176
00:14:51,310 --> 00:14:54,580
our World War II veterans
and their families.

177
00:14:54,580 --> 00:14:56,460
At this ceremony,

178
00:14:56,460 --> 00:14:59,770
we commemorate the 75th anniversary

179
00:14:59,770 --> 00:15:04,380
of the battle that liberated
Paris in late August 1944.

180
00:15:05,810 --> 00:15:07,890
It was an important victory

181
00:15:07,890 --> 00:15:10,990
in the Allied campaign
to defeat the forces

182
00:15:10,990 --> 00:15:12,403
of the Germany military.

183
00:15:13,460 --> 00:15:17,100
The liberation of this
beautiful and historic city

184
00:15:17,100 --> 00:15:18,363
was a symbol of hope,

185
00:15:19,290 --> 00:15:22,850
not only for this nation,
but all of our allies,

186
00:15:22,850 --> 00:15:25,380
and especially the people of France,

187
00:15:25,380 --> 00:15:29,840
who had endured so many
long years of suffering

188
00:15:29,840 --> 00:15:33,570
and sacrifice during the
occupation of that nation

189
00:15:33,570 --> 00:15:34,403
and that city.

190
00:15:35,670 --> 00:15:39,550
This is the place in America

191
00:15:39,550 --> 00:15:42,960
to commemorate this important battle.

192
00:15:42,960 --> 00:15:47,960
This is where Americans come
to reflect and remember,

193
00:15:48,540 --> 00:15:51,180
with deep gratitude and pride,

194
00:15:51,180 --> 00:15:54,740
all those who served in World War II,

195
00:15:54,740 --> 00:15:57,803
both on the battlefields
and on the home front.

196
00:15:58,870 --> 00:16:03,870
When our World War II
veterans visit their memorial,

197
00:16:03,940 --> 00:16:08,940
they know that a grateful
nation will never forget

198
00:16:09,430 --> 00:16:12,340
their service and sacrifice.

199
00:16:12,340 --> 00:16:14,630
Working with the Department of Defense,

200
00:16:14,630 --> 00:16:16,970
the Military District of Washington,

201
00:16:16,970 --> 00:16:18,370
the National Park Service,

202
00:16:18,370 --> 00:16:21,040
and the city of Washington, D.C.,

203
00:16:21,040 --> 00:16:24,430
we hold numerous ceremonies
throughout each year,

204
00:16:24,430 --> 00:16:26,910
to pay tribute to the men and women

205
00:16:26,910 --> 00:16:30,490
who fought the most
destructive war in history.

206
00:16:30,490 --> 00:16:35,000
They fought and won that
war against great odds,

207
00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:37,170
and saved this nation,

208
00:16:37,170 --> 00:16:41,163
and with our allies, they
literally saved the world.

209
00:16:42,240 --> 00:16:47,240
As we look at those 4,048
stars that are behind me

210
00:16:47,310 --> 00:16:51,600
and front of you on this
beautiful Freedom Wall,

211
00:16:51,600 --> 00:16:53,710
we remember the sacrifice of

212
00:16:53,710 --> 00:16:58,710
over more than 400,000
American soldiers, sailors,

213
00:16:59,720 --> 00:17:04,040
airmen, Marines, Coast
Guard, and Merchant Marines,

214
00:17:04,040 --> 00:17:05,723
who never returned home.

215
00:17:06,640 --> 00:17:08,340
They gave all their tomorrows

216
00:17:09,190 --> 00:17:10,960
and that's a very high price to pay

217
00:17:10,960 --> 00:17:13,650
when you're 18 and 19 years old,

218
00:17:13,650 --> 00:17:17,010
so that we can live in this strong, free,

219
00:17:17,010 --> 00:17:22,010
and beautiful America that
we're so proud to call home.

220
00:17:22,110 --> 00:17:24,200
Again, thank you all for coming

221
00:17:24,200 --> 00:17:29,200
to honor and remember the
magnificent selfless service

222
00:17:29,410 --> 00:17:31,700
of our World War II veterans,

223
00:17:31,700 --> 00:17:34,907
of our allies from France
who are here with us today,

224
00:17:34,907 --> 00:17:37,040
and all their families.

225
00:17:37,040 --> 00:17:40,860
We can never do enough to properly repay

226
00:17:40,860 --> 00:17:44,450
the valor, the sacrifice, and commitment

227
00:17:44,450 --> 00:17:48,600
to the cause of freedom,
which is not free,

228
00:17:48,600 --> 00:17:52,580
and it was secured at a very high price.

229
00:17:52,580 --> 00:17:55,890
God bless our World War II
veterans and their families,

230
00:17:55,890 --> 00:17:57,810
God bless America,

231
00:17:57,810 --> 00:17:59,320
and God bless France,

232
00:17:59,320 --> 00:18:03,000
our ally from the founding of this nation.

233
00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:05,568
Thank you all for coming today.

234
00:18:05,568 --> 00:18:08,735
(audience applauding)

235
00:18:12,580 --> 00:18:14,430
- [Announcer] The Friends
of the National World War II

236
00:18:14,430 --> 00:18:16,770
Memorial is proud to partner
with the First Alliance

237
00:18:16,770 --> 00:18:19,320
Foundation in hosting
tonight's special anniversary

238
00:18:19,320 --> 00:18:20,750
commemoration.

239
00:18:20,750 --> 00:18:22,870
The Foundation works to honor and enhance

240
00:18:22,870 --> 00:18:26,110
the French-American strategic
and military alliance.

241
00:18:26,110 --> 00:18:28,500
Please welcome the
Foundation's Chairwoman,

242
00:18:28,500 --> 00:18:30,956
the Honorable Carole Brookins.

243
00:18:30,956 --> 00:18:34,123
(audience applauding)

244
00:18:36,940 --> 00:18:38,723
- [Carole] Thank you very much.

245
00:18:38,723 --> 00:18:40,730
(speaking a foreign language)

246
00:18:40,730 --> 00:18:42,760
Thank you for being here tonight.

247
00:18:42,760 --> 00:18:46,030
General Kicklighter, I appreciated so much

248
00:18:46,030 --> 00:18:49,280
your meaningful words and all
you do to serve our nation,

249
00:18:49,280 --> 00:18:51,210
all you have throughout your life

250
00:18:51,210 --> 00:18:53,060
in service to our nation.

251
00:18:53,060 --> 00:18:56,040
The First Alliance
Foundation is truly honored

252
00:18:56,040 --> 00:18:59,040
to support this first ever commemoration

253
00:18:59,040 --> 00:19:00,760
of the Liberation of Paris

254
00:19:00,760 --> 00:19:03,210
at the National World War II Memorial,

255
00:19:03,210 --> 00:19:07,580
our magnificent memorial to
honor all those who served,

256
00:19:07,580 --> 00:19:10,860
and especially on this 75th anniversary

257
00:19:10,860 --> 00:19:15,700
of the Liberation by our French
and American Allied Forces.

258
00:19:15,700 --> 00:19:18,530
Thank you and the Friends of the Memorial

259
00:19:18,530 --> 00:19:22,540
for all that you do, in keeping
the torch burning bright

260
00:19:22,540 --> 00:19:25,930
in honoring the remarkable
sacrifice and valor

261
00:19:25,930 --> 00:19:29,880
of all those who served
in saving our civilization

262
00:19:29,880 --> 00:19:30,943
during World War II.

263
00:19:32,090 --> 00:19:34,330
The First Alliance Foundation's mission

264
00:19:34,330 --> 00:19:37,390
is to honor and enhance
the French-American

265
00:19:37,390 --> 00:19:40,010
strategic and military alliance.

266
00:19:40,010 --> 00:19:42,520
We commemorate the Liberation of Paris

267
00:19:42,520 --> 00:19:47,170
as a powerful historic
symbol of our alliance.

268
00:19:47,170 --> 00:19:51,120
Many Americans don't know
that Paris was a battlefield

269
00:19:51,120 --> 00:19:54,790
for two weeks in August 1944.

270
00:19:54,790 --> 00:19:58,380
The people of Paris and
resistance in the city

271
00:19:58,380 --> 00:20:02,180
courageously rose up
against the Nazi oppressors,

272
00:20:02,180 --> 00:20:05,600
knowing the Allied Armors were advancing

273
00:20:05,600 --> 00:20:10,600
to free France from four years
of savage Nazi occupation.

274
00:20:11,730 --> 00:20:14,180
Paris was saved from destruction,

275
00:20:14,180 --> 00:20:18,330
thanks greatly to the wisdom
of two remarkable generals,

276
00:20:18,330 --> 00:20:22,230
General Dwight Eisenhower and
General Charles de Gaulle,

277
00:20:22,230 --> 00:20:24,737
and the heroic troops under their command,

278
00:20:24,737 --> 00:20:28,510
the US Fourth and 28th Infantry Divisions

279
00:20:28,510 --> 00:20:32,460
and the Free French Leclerc
Second Armored Division.

280
00:20:32,460 --> 00:20:35,210
We are truly blessed tonight

281
00:20:35,210 --> 00:20:38,130
that their Color Guard stand together,

282
00:20:38,130 --> 00:20:41,980
allied today here at the
National World War II Memorial,

283
00:20:41,980 --> 00:20:45,480
to commemorate this historic day.

284
00:20:45,480 --> 00:20:47,710
France has been America's ally since

285
00:20:47,710 --> 00:20:50,070
the US War for Independence.

286
00:20:50,070 --> 00:20:52,910
During World War II's long conflict,

287
00:20:52,910 --> 00:20:56,430
Free France and America
fought side-by-side

288
00:20:56,430 --> 00:20:59,970
to once more answer the
call to battle for freedom,

289
00:20:59,970 --> 00:21:04,464
as we had served together on
the World War I battlefields.

290
00:21:04,464 --> 00:21:09,464
The legacy of our World
War II alliance endures,

291
00:21:10,040 --> 00:21:14,450
in global and regional
conflicts, post World War II.

292
00:21:14,450 --> 00:21:16,700
Our military have served together

293
00:21:16,700 --> 00:21:19,330
in operations around the world.

294
00:21:19,330 --> 00:21:23,390
In Korea, in Lebanon, the
Balkans, the Persian Gulf,

295
00:21:23,390 --> 00:21:27,930
Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, and Africa.

296
00:21:27,930 --> 00:21:32,930
France and America are
steadfast military allies today,

297
00:21:33,790 --> 00:21:37,600
an alliance of trust,
an alliance of respect,

298
00:21:37,600 --> 00:21:42,410
and shared values to preserve
and protect human dignity,

299
00:21:42,410 --> 00:21:44,810
liberty, and peace.

300
00:21:44,810 --> 00:21:46,320
Vive la France.

301
00:21:46,320 --> 00:21:48,980
May God bless the United
States of America.

302
00:21:48,980 --> 00:21:49,951
Thank you.

303
00:21:49,951 --> 00:21:53,118
(audience applauding)

304
00:21:55,570 --> 00:21:56,880
- [Announcer] We now have
the privilege of hearing

305
00:21:56,880 --> 00:22:00,227
a special musical tribute by
the United States Army Band

306
00:22:00,227 --> 00:22:03,150
"Pershing's Own,"
conducted by Major Dae Kim.

307
00:22:17,524 --> 00:22:20,107
(band playing)

308
00:23:33,690 --> 00:23:37,607
("Columbia, Gem of the Ocean")

309
00:24:38,967 --> 00:24:42,318
(snare drum playing)

310
00:24:42,318 --> 00:24:44,901
(band playing)

311
00:25:35,093 --> 00:25:38,426
("Yankee Doodle Dandy")

312
00:25:57,636 --> 00:26:00,803
(audience applauding)

313
00:26:05,554 --> 00:26:06,639
And now, ladies and gentlemen,

314
00:26:06,639 --> 00:26:08,000
please welcome Commanding General

315
00:26:08,000 --> 00:26:10,150
of the 28th Infantry Division,

316
00:26:10,150 --> 00:26:13,330
Major General Andrew Schafer.

317
00:26:13,330 --> 00:26:16,497
(audience applauding)

318
00:26:22,000 --> 00:26:23,807
- [Andrew Schafer] Before I
go to my prepared remarks,

319
00:26:23,807 --> 00:26:25,590
I'd like to give a round of applause

320
00:26:25,590 --> 00:26:28,560
to those great service
members from France and the US

321
00:26:28,560 --> 00:26:31,296
who were our Color Guard
just a few minutes ago.

322
00:26:31,296 --> 00:26:34,463
(audience applauding)

323
00:26:37,370 --> 00:26:39,690
As the 38th Commanding General and steward

324
00:26:39,690 --> 00:26:41,330
for the 28th Infantry Division,

325
00:26:41,330 --> 00:26:43,590
which was established in 1879,

326
00:26:43,590 --> 00:26:46,060
it is my privilege and
honor to be here today

327
00:26:46,060 --> 00:26:48,460
with everyone to pay
homage to the veterans

328
00:26:48,460 --> 00:26:51,210
who liberated Paris 75 years ago.

329
00:26:51,210 --> 00:26:53,810
It is great to see so
many veterans here today.

330
00:26:53,810 --> 00:26:55,390
I salute each and every one of you

331
00:26:55,390 --> 00:27:00,090
for your service to your country
today and many years ago.

332
00:27:00,090 --> 00:27:02,330
I would like to commend all
of you here for your effort

333
00:27:02,330 --> 00:27:05,510
to recognize these brave
soldiers 75 years ago,

334
00:27:05,510 --> 00:27:07,603
who liberated the city of Paris.

335
00:27:09,410 --> 00:27:12,010
Everyone remembers the iconic
images of these soldiers

336
00:27:12,010 --> 00:27:13,970
marching shoulder to shoulder

337
00:27:13,970 --> 00:27:16,900
in the victory day parade on 29 August.

338
00:27:16,900 --> 00:27:19,350
It was one of the 28th Infantry
Division's historic moments

339
00:27:19,350 --> 00:27:20,510
in history.

340
00:27:20,510 --> 00:27:23,210
It was seen around the world
in newsreels and newspapers

341
00:27:23,210 --> 00:27:24,270
at the time,

342
00:27:24,270 --> 00:27:26,850
and immortalized on a US postage stamp.

343
00:27:26,850 --> 00:27:29,390
It seemed to tell the world
that the Allies had momentum

344
00:27:29,390 --> 00:27:31,720
that simply could not be stopped,

345
00:27:31,720 --> 00:27:33,290
the Nazi Empire was crumbling,

346
00:27:33,290 --> 00:27:35,360
and that victory was on its way.

347
00:27:35,360 --> 00:27:37,980
It was also a moment that truly
inspired the French people

348
00:27:37,980 --> 00:27:38,980
and the world.

349
00:27:38,980 --> 00:27:40,860
Charles de Gaulle gave a speech

350
00:27:40,860 --> 00:27:43,780
after the Germans surrendered.

351
00:27:43,780 --> 00:27:47,287
He said, "Paris broken, Paris martyred,

352
00:27:47,287 --> 00:27:49,520
"but Paris liberated."

353
00:27:49,520 --> 00:27:51,787
This is a very proud moment
in history for our Division,

354
00:27:51,787 --> 00:27:53,710
our Army, and our Nation.

355
00:27:53,710 --> 00:27:56,687
General Eisenhower wrote
in his war memoirs,

356
00:27:56,687 --> 00:27:59,267
"Let the 28th Infantry
Division march through Paris,

357
00:27:59,267 --> 00:28:01,350
"and into battle the same day,"

358
00:28:01,350 --> 00:28:03,030
And he recalled that was the only time

359
00:28:03,030 --> 00:28:05,580
a US Army Division had participated

360
00:28:05,580 --> 00:28:07,870
in a commemorative parade and at battle

361
00:28:07,870 --> 00:28:09,573
within a 24 hour period.

362
00:28:10,500 --> 00:28:13,490
I'd like to also mention
Mr. Vito Monteleone,

363
00:28:13,490 --> 00:28:15,057
who served with the
109th Infantry Regiment,

364
00:28:15,057 --> 00:28:16,810
and 28th Division.

365
00:28:16,810 --> 00:28:18,570
He was supposed to be with us today,

366
00:28:18,570 --> 00:28:20,540
but unfortunately, he could not attend.

367
00:28:20,540 --> 00:28:23,570
I want to mention him
anyway and wish him well.

368
00:28:23,570 --> 00:28:25,870
He arrived in France in late June

369
00:28:25,870 --> 00:28:28,460
and served in each campaigns
from Normandy until

370
00:28:28,460 --> 00:28:31,730
the end of the war in May of 1945.

371
00:28:31,730 --> 00:28:33,810
I'm still honored to
mention him here today

372
00:28:33,810 --> 00:28:36,590
and pay a tribute to him
and his fellow soldiers.

373
00:28:36,590 --> 00:28:39,410
I also want to thank
everyone for being here today

374
00:28:39,410 --> 00:28:42,630
for honoring the US
soldiers and French allies

375
00:28:42,630 --> 00:28:45,550
who liberated Paris 75 years ago.

376
00:28:45,550 --> 00:28:48,320
Lastly, I will quote Ben Franklin,

377
00:28:48,320 --> 00:28:50,707
one of our country's founding fathers.

378
00:28:50,707 --> 00:28:54,120
"Energy and persistence
conquers all things."

379
00:28:54,120 --> 00:28:55,870
I salute you and thank you.

380
00:28:55,870 --> 00:28:58,366
Roll on, 28th, roll on.

381
00:28:58,366 --> 00:29:01,533
(audience applauding)

382
00:29:09,700 --> 00:29:10,533
- [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,

383
00:29:10,533 --> 00:29:12,760
it is now my great honor
to welcome to the lectern,

384
00:29:12,760 --> 00:29:15,087
former Chief of Staff of the French Army,

385
00:29:15,087 --> 00:29:19,070
and the President of La
Fondation du Marechal Leclerc,

386
00:29:19,070 --> 00:29:20,303
General Bruno Cuche.

387
00:29:21,280 --> 00:29:24,447
(audience applauding)

388
00:29:28,530 --> 00:29:31,593
- [Bruno Cuche] August 24, 1944.

389
00:29:32,440 --> 00:29:35,400
At 9:30PM in Paris,

390
00:29:35,400 --> 00:29:40,400
all the bells of all the
churches began suddenly to ring.

391
00:29:41,800 --> 00:29:45,710
They announced the eruption
of a small detachment

392
00:29:45,710 --> 00:29:49,763
of the Second French Armored
Division into the capital.

393
00:29:51,070 --> 00:29:54,770
On the 25th, 10 days
after the general uprising

394
00:29:54,770 --> 00:29:57,400
of the Parisian population,

395
00:29:57,400 --> 00:30:00,930
and a few hours after
the devastating attack

396
00:30:00,930 --> 00:30:05,440
of both the Fourth
American Infantry Division

397
00:30:05,440 --> 00:30:07,760
and the Second French Armored Division,

398
00:30:07,760 --> 00:30:11,947
our General Leclerc, "Paris is liberated."

399
00:30:13,390 --> 00:30:16,487
The famous French author, Camus, write,

400
00:30:16,487 --> 00:30:18,917
"Since Bastille Day,

401
00:30:18,917 --> 00:30:23,917
"this is certainly the greatest
day of French history."

402
00:30:25,290 --> 00:30:29,120
Many of us know that Paris
was not a strategic objective

403
00:30:29,120 --> 00:30:30,560
for the Allies,

404
00:30:30,560 --> 00:30:31,823
but rather, an obstacle,

405
00:30:33,200 --> 00:30:36,880
but, on the other hand, Paris was crucial

406
00:30:36,880 --> 00:30:38,053
for General de Gaulle.

407
00:30:39,110 --> 00:30:43,304
After four years of exile in London,

408
00:30:43,304 --> 00:30:44,210
(speaking a foreign language)

409
00:30:44,210 --> 00:30:45,610
or Algiers,

410
00:30:45,610 --> 00:30:49,720
he needed a true capital
to affirm his authority

411
00:30:49,720 --> 00:30:51,350
over France.

412
00:30:51,350 --> 00:30:55,450
Furthermore, he knew that the Communists

413
00:30:55,450 --> 00:30:59,173
were preparing a coup
in Paris to seize power.

414
00:31:00,530 --> 00:31:05,530
So he had deep discussion with
General Dwight Eisenhower,

415
00:31:06,138 --> 00:31:09,320
Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces.

416
00:31:09,320 --> 00:31:13,190
The latter was not only a great soldier

417
00:31:13,190 --> 00:31:15,790
and a very bright commander,

418
00:31:15,790 --> 00:31:20,783
he had the prophetic and
true political vision.

419
00:31:21,630 --> 00:31:23,920
He, therefore, understood de Gaulle,

420
00:31:23,920 --> 00:31:28,830
and order General Omar
Bradley to march to Paris

421
00:31:28,830 --> 00:31:29,943
with two divisions.

422
00:31:31,950 --> 00:31:36,950
De Gaulle wanted to show
his gratitude to Eisenhower

423
00:31:37,250 --> 00:31:40,200
for this very courageous decision,

424
00:31:40,200 --> 00:31:45,200
so on August 27, they went side-by-side

425
00:31:45,940 --> 00:31:48,890
through the Arc of Triumph to lay a wreath

426
00:31:48,890 --> 00:31:51,550
on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,

427
00:31:51,550 --> 00:31:56,550
and two days later, the
American 28th Infantry Division,

428
00:31:56,910 --> 00:31:58,630
the Iron Division,

429
00:31:58,630 --> 00:32:00,860
in full battle gear,

430
00:32:00,860 --> 00:32:05,644
marched through Paris and
down the Champs-Elysees,

431
00:32:05,644 --> 00:32:09,023
as part of the triumphal
liberation parade.

432
00:32:10,160 --> 00:32:13,890
It is precisely this last
event that we celebrate today,

433
00:32:13,890 --> 00:32:17,743
here in Washington, D.C., 75 years later.

434
00:32:18,890 --> 00:32:23,650
We owe this opportunity to
the Honorable Carole Brookins,

435
00:32:23,650 --> 00:32:28,290
Founder and Chairman of the
First Alliance Foundation.

436
00:32:28,290 --> 00:32:32,720
I express, on your name,
our dear thanks, to her,

437
00:32:32,720 --> 00:32:36,143
and offer my personal
sincere congratulation.

438
00:32:37,040 --> 00:32:38,990
May God bless America.

439
00:32:38,990 --> 00:32:40,452
Vive la France.

440
00:32:40,452 --> 00:32:43,619
(audience applauding)

441
00:32:48,490 --> 00:32:51,360
- [Announcer] The United States
Army Band "Pershing's Own,"

442
00:32:51,360 --> 00:32:54,070
will now play another
special musical tribute.

443
00:33:02,085 --> 00:33:04,668
(band playing)

444
00:36:40,976 --> 00:36:44,143
(audience applauding)

445
00:36:48,410 --> 00:36:50,450
- [Announcer] I'm now privileged
to invite to the lectern,

446
00:36:50,450 --> 00:36:53,740
the grand-daughter of
General Dwight D. Eisenhower,

447
00:36:53,740 --> 00:36:56,900
and a senior advisor to the
First Alliance Foundation,

448
00:36:56,900 --> 00:36:59,124
Miss Susan Eisenhower.

449
00:36:59,124 --> 00:37:02,291
(audience applauding)

450
00:37:12,143 --> 00:37:13,750
- [Susan Eisenhower] Thank you very much.

451
00:37:13,750 --> 00:37:17,970
Deputy Secretary Norquist, General Cuche,

452
00:37:17,970 --> 00:37:19,990
distinguished guests.

453
00:37:19,990 --> 00:37:22,040
It is a great honor
for me to be here today

454
00:37:22,040 --> 00:37:24,320
to represent the Eisenhower family

455
00:37:24,320 --> 00:37:28,020
at this glorious celebration
of the liberation of Paris

456
00:37:28,020 --> 00:37:30,370
75 years ago.

457
00:37:30,370 --> 00:37:32,550
My grandfather, Dwight D. Eisenhower,

458
00:37:32,550 --> 00:37:35,420
had a special affection for France.

459
00:37:35,420 --> 00:37:37,740
After World War I, in 1928,

460
00:37:37,740 --> 00:37:39,150
he and my grandmother, Mamie,

461
00:37:39,150 --> 00:37:41,620
and my father, John, lived in Paris,

462
00:37:41,620 --> 00:37:43,410
and he wrote an important analysis

463
00:37:43,410 --> 00:37:45,330
of the American battlefields of France

464
00:37:45,330 --> 00:37:47,170
during that war.

465
00:37:47,170 --> 00:37:50,420
The story of the liberation
is an inspiring one.

466
00:37:50,420 --> 00:37:52,840
It starts with Allied
plans under the direction

467
00:37:52,840 --> 00:37:55,320
of Supreme Allied Commander Eisenhower,

468
00:37:55,320 --> 00:37:59,010
to do all that was possible
to avoid bombing Paris.

469
00:37:59,010 --> 00:38:01,920
Even the days before D-Day,

470
00:38:01,920 --> 00:38:05,150
an all-out effort was made
to bomb railway junctions

471
00:38:05,150 --> 00:38:06,640
outside the city,

472
00:38:06,640 --> 00:38:09,290
hoping to preserve the City of Light.

473
00:38:09,290 --> 00:38:12,250
Even the bridges of the Seine survived.

474
00:38:12,250 --> 00:38:15,670
The Free French Leclerc Division
that had fought so bravely

475
00:38:15,670 --> 00:38:18,330
with the Allies in Africa,

476
00:38:18,330 --> 00:38:23,330
through D-Day and onwards was
selected to take the city,

477
00:38:23,340 --> 00:38:25,650
and an American show of force was arranged

478
00:38:25,650 --> 00:38:28,040
to support that French effort.

479
00:38:28,040 --> 00:38:31,060
Eisenhower wrote in his war-time memoirs

480
00:38:31,060 --> 00:38:34,047
that immediately after
the capture of Paris,

481
00:38:34,047 --> 00:38:36,307
"I notified General de
Gaulle that I'd hoped

482
00:38:36,307 --> 00:38:38,687
"he would quickly enter the capital.

483
00:38:38,687 --> 00:38:42,407
"I desired that he, as
symbol of French resistance,

484
00:38:42,407 --> 00:38:45,227
"should take an entrance
before I had to go in

485
00:38:45,227 --> 00:38:46,567
"or through the city."

486
00:38:47,775 --> 00:38:50,220
During those days,
Eisenhower made a formal call

487
00:38:50,220 --> 00:38:53,480
on de Gaulle, in effect,
recognizing the General

488
00:38:53,480 --> 00:38:55,890
as the leader of the liberated French,

489
00:38:55,890 --> 00:38:59,110
even though this was
counter to his instructions.

490
00:38:59,110 --> 00:39:02,070
The close bond established
between Eisenhower and de Gaulle

491
00:39:02,070 --> 00:39:04,480
was seen again during the Cold War,

492
00:39:04,480 --> 00:39:07,697
during the failed Four
Powers Summit in 1960

493
00:39:11,010 --> 00:39:13,060
in the wake of the U-2 crisis.

494
00:39:13,060 --> 00:39:15,350
De Gaulle told Eisenhower at that point,

495
00:39:15,350 --> 00:39:18,210
he would stand with his wartime colleague.

496
00:39:18,210 --> 00:39:19,770
On a personal note,

497
00:39:19,770 --> 00:39:22,050
I have to say that I will never forget

498
00:39:22,050 --> 00:39:25,740
the image of General de
Gaulle, President de Gaulle,

499
00:39:25,740 --> 00:39:27,910
attending my grandfather's funeral,

500
00:39:27,910 --> 00:39:31,763
wearing his military
uniform from that period.

501
00:39:33,000 --> 00:39:34,660
The mutual trust and affection

502
00:39:34,660 --> 00:39:38,410
between Eisenhower and de
Gaulle changed history.

503
00:39:38,410 --> 00:39:39,780
Vive la France.

504
00:39:39,780 --> 00:39:41,153
God bless America.

505
00:39:41,153 --> 00:39:44,320
(audience applauding)

506
00:39:48,740 --> 00:39:49,620
- [Announcer] And now,
ladies and gentlemen,

507
00:39:49,620 --> 00:39:52,440
please welcome the 66th Inspector General

508
00:39:52,440 --> 00:39:56,486
of the US Army, Lieutenant
General Leslie Smith.

509
00:39:56,486 --> 00:40:00,300
(audience applauding)

510
00:40:00,300 --> 00:40:01,583
- [Leslie Smith] Good evening.

511
00:40:02,440 --> 00:40:06,830
Honorable Norquist, General
Cuche, friends and allies

512
00:40:06,830 --> 00:40:10,320
of both of our nations,
other partner nations,

513
00:40:10,320 --> 00:40:13,310
and most of all, our
World War II veterans,

514
00:40:13,310 --> 00:40:15,480
it's truly an honor for me to represent

515
00:40:15,480 --> 00:40:16,630
the United States Army,

516
00:40:17,500 --> 00:40:20,283
as we remember this crucial
milestone of World War II.

517
00:40:21,330 --> 00:40:25,950
75 years ago, this week, the
city of Paris was liberated,

518
00:40:25,950 --> 00:40:30,210
after four years of
occupation by German forces.

519
00:40:30,210 --> 00:40:33,860
The Free French forces,
the French resistance,

520
00:40:33,860 --> 00:40:36,280
and the Allied Forces
from the United States,

521
00:40:36,280 --> 00:40:39,660
United Kingdom, and other partner nations,

522
00:40:39,660 --> 00:40:41,803
brought freedom back to Paris.

523
00:40:43,160 --> 00:40:46,800
The liberation of Paris
represent a key benchmark,

524
00:40:46,800 --> 00:40:50,050
both strategically and psychologically

525
00:40:50,050 --> 00:40:52,533
in bringing the war in Europe to an end.

526
00:40:53,510 --> 00:40:57,480
It sent a clear message to that regime

527
00:40:57,480 --> 00:41:00,480
that it could not overcome Allied resolve

528
00:41:00,480 --> 00:41:02,720
and its days were numbered.

529
00:41:02,720 --> 00:41:06,910
Today, we honor not only
those who gave their lives

530
00:41:06,910 --> 00:41:08,840
in the cause of freedom,

531
00:41:08,840 --> 00:41:13,840
but also, more than
240 years of friendship

532
00:41:14,250 --> 00:41:16,640
between the United States and France,

533
00:41:16,640 --> 00:41:20,320
going all the way back to
the American Revolution.

534
00:41:20,320 --> 00:41:23,930
I am humbled and honored to be here today

535
00:41:23,930 --> 00:41:25,920
on this hallowed ground,

536
00:41:25,920 --> 00:41:28,670
the National World War II Memorial,

537
00:41:28,670 --> 00:41:32,730
and I'm reminded that safety and security

538
00:41:32,730 --> 00:41:34,970
is a reason why we have stood

539
00:41:34,970 --> 00:41:38,180
and continued to stand as allied nations

540
00:41:38,180 --> 00:41:40,090
in the face of danger.

541
00:41:40,090 --> 00:41:42,080
Those partnerships, ladies and gentlemen,

542
00:41:42,080 --> 00:41:46,580
for 75 years ago, still endure today,

543
00:41:46,580 --> 00:41:50,150
as US Forces remain
steadfast in our commitment

544
00:41:50,150 --> 00:41:52,273
to our European allies and partners.

545
00:41:53,440 --> 00:41:57,570
Many of my uncles fought in World War II,

546
00:41:57,570 --> 00:42:01,230
in order to keep our
nation and the world free,

547
00:42:01,230 --> 00:42:06,230
and I, like all Americans,
owe a great debt of gratitude

548
00:42:06,320 --> 00:42:08,250
to the greatest generation.

549
00:42:08,250 --> 00:42:11,410
We must always remember
the Americans, the French,

550
00:42:11,410 --> 00:42:15,140
and all of our allies who gave everything

551
00:42:15,140 --> 00:42:20,140
in order to restore peace,
dignity, and prosperity,

552
00:42:20,370 --> 00:42:24,590
not only to Paris, not
only to the French people,

553
00:42:24,590 --> 00:42:27,760
but to all of Western
Europe and the entire world.

554
00:42:27,760 --> 00:42:28,593
Army strong.

555
00:42:29,468 --> 00:42:32,635
(audience applauding)

556
00:42:35,660 --> 00:42:37,060
- [Announcer] Our final
speaker this evening

557
00:42:37,060 --> 00:42:39,340
has 30 years of experience at the Federal,

558
00:42:39,340 --> 00:42:42,290
Financial Management, and
National Security fields.

559
00:42:42,290 --> 00:42:44,650
He served from 2002 to 2006

560
00:42:44,650 --> 00:42:46,940
as the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense

561
00:42:46,940 --> 00:42:48,290
in the Office of the Comptroller

562
00:42:48,290 --> 00:42:51,310
where he received the
Secretary of Defense medal

563
00:42:51,310 --> 00:42:53,220
for Outstanding Public Service.

564
00:42:53,220 --> 00:42:55,550
He was selected by
President George W. Bush

565
00:42:55,550 --> 00:42:57,250
to be Chief Financial Officer

566
00:42:57,250 --> 00:42:59,490
at the Department of Homeland Security.

567
00:42:59,490 --> 00:43:02,060
He was the first Senate-confirmed
Chief Financial Officer

568
00:43:02,060 --> 00:43:03,490
for the Department.

569
00:43:03,490 --> 00:43:05,490
For his leadership, he
received the Secretary

570
00:43:05,490 --> 00:43:08,630
of Homeland Security
Outstanding Service medal.

571
00:43:08,630 --> 00:43:11,070
He was appointed as the
Undersecretary of Defense

572
00:43:11,070 --> 00:43:14,610
Comptroller Chief Financial
Officer in June 2017

573
00:43:14,610 --> 00:43:16,370
and served as the principal advisor

574
00:43:16,370 --> 00:43:18,030
to the Secretary of Defense

575
00:43:18,030 --> 00:43:20,770
on all budgetary and financial matters.

576
00:43:20,770 --> 00:43:23,507
On July 31, 2019, he was sworn in as

577
00:43:23,507 --> 00:43:26,940
the 34th Deputy Secretary of Defense.

578
00:43:26,940 --> 00:43:28,920
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome

579
00:43:28,920 --> 00:43:31,456
the Honorable David Norquist.

580
00:43:31,456 --> 00:43:34,623
(audience applauding)

581
00:43:37,130 --> 00:43:38,260
- [David Norquist] Thank
you, good afternoon.

582
00:43:38,260 --> 00:43:40,510
I want to start by echoing the comments

583
00:43:40,510 --> 00:43:42,750
of previous speakers, welcoming our guests

584
00:43:42,750 --> 00:43:45,830
and thanking those, whose
hard work went into organizing

585
00:43:45,830 --> 00:43:47,240
this event.

586
00:43:47,240 --> 00:43:50,930
It is an honor and a
privilege to be here today

587
00:43:50,930 --> 00:43:53,440
to celebrate the 75th anniversary

588
00:43:53,440 --> 00:43:55,810
of the liberation of Paris.

589
00:43:55,810 --> 00:43:57,750
As the Deputy Secretary of Defense,

590
00:43:57,750 --> 00:44:02,080
I spend each day thinking about
the men and women in uniform

591
00:44:02,080 --> 00:44:04,040
that are fighting today's battles

592
00:44:04,040 --> 00:44:06,750
and what is required to ensure success

593
00:44:06,750 --> 00:44:08,850
in the wars of tomorrow.

594
00:44:08,850 --> 00:44:10,850
As I walk around the Pentagon,

595
00:44:10,850 --> 00:44:14,600
a building that is as much a
museum as an office building,

596
00:44:14,600 --> 00:44:17,730
I am continually inspired
by the individuals

597
00:44:17,730 --> 00:44:20,350
who choose to serve our great country,

598
00:44:20,350 --> 00:44:23,390
and reminded by the responsibility we have

599
00:44:23,390 --> 00:44:27,420
to uphold the legacy set by
these great men and women

600
00:44:27,420 --> 00:44:29,300
that came before us.

601
00:44:29,300 --> 00:44:33,050
Perhaps no period in our
history was more important

602
00:44:33,050 --> 00:44:36,103
for establishing that
legacy than World War II.

603
00:44:37,010 --> 00:44:40,553
It is called the greatest
generation for good reason.

604
00:44:41,540 --> 00:44:45,080
So I'd like to begin by
thanking all of our World War II

605
00:44:45,080 --> 00:44:47,830
veterans, particularly
those who are here today,

606
00:44:47,830 --> 00:44:50,030
including a few soldiers who fought

607
00:44:50,030 --> 00:44:51,909
in the battle for Paris.

608
00:44:51,909 --> 00:44:55,076
(audience applauding)

609
00:45:00,020 --> 00:45:04,440
You embody the essence of
what makes America great.

610
00:45:04,440 --> 00:45:07,370
This nation will never forget the world

611
00:45:07,370 --> 00:45:09,760
you helped make possible.

612
00:45:09,760 --> 00:45:11,920
Of course, we don't fight alone,

613
00:45:11,920 --> 00:45:14,380
and this was never more
true than with our allies

614
00:45:14,380 --> 00:45:15,990
of World War II.

615
00:45:15,990 --> 00:45:17,170
To our French friends

616
00:45:17,170 --> 00:45:19,640
and other allied nations present today,

617
00:45:19,640 --> 00:45:21,000
thank you.

618
00:45:21,000 --> 00:45:23,510
It was an honor to fight with you then

619
00:45:23,510 --> 00:45:26,993
and we continue to stand
beside you with pride today.

620
00:45:27,870 --> 00:45:30,130
With a war that spanned the globe

621
00:45:30,130 --> 00:45:32,840
and involved hundreds
of millions of people,

622
00:45:32,840 --> 00:45:36,120
there are many seminal
moments worthy of celebration

623
00:45:36,120 --> 00:45:38,940
in the pursuit of Allied victory,

624
00:45:38,940 --> 00:45:40,860
but for a number of reasons,

625
00:45:40,860 --> 00:45:43,420
one of the most significant is the one

626
00:45:43,420 --> 00:45:46,170
we are gathered here today to remember.

627
00:45:46,170 --> 00:45:50,770
The liberation of Paris
in late August of 1944,

628
00:45:50,770 --> 00:45:53,060
75 years ago.

629
00:45:53,060 --> 00:45:55,410
This wasn't just any city.

630
00:45:55,410 --> 00:45:57,080
This was Paris.

631
00:45:57,080 --> 00:45:59,170
Few cities have the same cultural

632
00:45:59,170 --> 00:46:01,150
and historical significance,

633
00:46:01,150 --> 00:46:03,540
and the ability to free that city,

634
00:46:03,540 --> 00:46:05,960
while preserving its beauty and history,

635
00:46:05,960 --> 00:46:09,240
is one of the remarkable
twists in our history.

636
00:46:09,240 --> 00:46:11,010
It is an epic story

637
00:46:11,010 --> 00:46:14,770
and one that I remember being
captivated by in high school.

638
00:46:14,770 --> 00:46:19,770
Hitler had given clear
instructions to destroy the city,

639
00:46:20,130 --> 00:46:23,270
but thanks to the actions of
the people we honor today,

640
00:46:23,270 --> 00:46:27,900
that city was freed and
his wishes were thwarted.

641
00:46:27,900 --> 00:46:30,940
It took the courage of
the French resistance

642
00:46:30,940 --> 00:46:33,810
and ordinary Parisians to rise up

643
00:46:33,810 --> 00:46:36,650
in coordination with the Allied war effort

644
00:46:36,650 --> 00:46:41,080
to strike, attack police
headquarters and Vermaat patrols,

645
00:46:41,080 --> 00:46:44,450
hijack ration convoys,
upend German trucks,

646
00:46:44,450 --> 00:46:49,210
and resurrect the 19th century
art of barricade building,

647
00:46:49,210 --> 00:46:53,660
to take back their city,
neighborhood by neighborhood.

648
00:46:53,660 --> 00:46:56,020
It took the willingness of
the American High Command

649
00:46:56,020 --> 00:46:58,550
to change its plans at the last moment,

650
00:46:58,550 --> 00:47:00,630
to rush help to the French resistance

651
00:47:00,630 --> 00:47:03,170
once the battle for Paris broke out,

652
00:47:03,170 --> 00:47:05,150
and the determination of French Generals,

653
00:47:05,150 --> 00:47:08,370
de Gaulle and Leclerc, who
led an Armored Division,

654
00:47:08,370 --> 00:47:09,640
to enter the city,

655
00:47:09,640 --> 00:47:13,350
followed closely by the US
Fourth Infantry Division.

656
00:47:13,350 --> 00:47:16,980
It took the knowledge
and careful consideration

657
00:47:16,980 --> 00:47:19,470
of soldiers like Gunner Robert Mady,

658
00:47:19,470 --> 00:47:23,210
whose story has stuck
with me since high school.

659
00:47:23,210 --> 00:47:25,370
Robert was in an American tank

660
00:47:25,370 --> 00:47:28,840
under the Arc de Triomphe
facing a German tank

661
00:47:28,840 --> 00:47:31,180
at the base of the Obelisk.

662
00:47:31,180 --> 00:47:34,070
When ordered to load a
shell into his tank's cannon

663
00:47:34,070 --> 00:47:37,530
and given the directions
to set the range at 1500,

664
00:47:37,530 --> 00:47:41,380
Robert instead set the
range at 1800 meters,

665
00:47:41,380 --> 00:47:43,600
because he recalled from his reading

666
00:47:43,600 --> 00:47:45,540
in the Standard French Almanac

667
00:47:45,540 --> 00:47:47,700
that the length of the Champs-Elysees,

668
00:47:47,700 --> 00:47:50,060
from the Arc to the
Triomphe to the Obelisk

669
00:47:50,060 --> 00:47:51,950
was 1800 meters,

670
00:47:51,950 --> 00:47:53,550
and with that precision,

671
00:47:53,550 --> 00:47:56,810
he hit the enemy tank
before it could fire on him

672
00:47:56,810 --> 00:47:59,090
and preserved the monument.

673
00:47:59,090 --> 00:48:02,360
Men like him are the reason
the monument is there

674
00:48:02,360 --> 00:48:03,983
and the Nazis are not.

675
00:48:05,020 --> 00:48:08,310
It even took the German
military commander of Paris,

676
00:48:08,310 --> 00:48:11,930
General Dietrich von
Choltitz deciding to refuse

677
00:48:11,930 --> 00:48:16,190
Hitler's order to leave
Paris a pile of rubble.

678
00:48:16,190 --> 00:48:21,030
Today and every day, we
remember the incredible courage

679
00:48:21,030 --> 00:48:24,400
of all those that fought
for freedom in World War II

680
00:48:24,400 --> 00:48:27,290
and all those that
supported them back home.

681
00:48:27,290 --> 00:48:31,827
We thank them and their
families for their sacrifice.

682
00:48:31,827 --> 00:48:34,810
"I'll tell you what liberation
is," said one Frenchman,

683
00:48:34,810 --> 00:48:37,247
the days after Paris was freed.

684
00:48:37,247 --> 00:48:41,417
"It's hearing a knock on
my door at six o'clock

685
00:48:41,417 --> 00:48:44,847
"in the morning, and
knowing it's the milkman."

686
00:48:46,450 --> 00:48:48,500
As events like today remind us,

687
00:48:48,500 --> 00:48:51,180
we must never take our
freedom for granted,

688
00:48:51,180 --> 00:48:54,150
and we must never forget
that we depend on the courage

689
00:48:54,150 --> 00:48:56,570
and sacrifice of our veterans,

690
00:48:56,570 --> 00:48:59,010
both those who have served in past wars

691
00:48:59,010 --> 00:49:00,950
and those who serve us today,

692
00:49:00,950 --> 00:49:04,280
to defend our way of life
that we hold so dear.

693
00:49:04,280 --> 00:49:07,800
Thank you, God bless
you, God bless America,

694
00:49:07,800 --> 00:49:09,401
and vive la France.

695
00:49:09,401 --> 00:49:12,568
(audience applauding)

696
00:49:17,290 --> 00:49:18,123
- [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,

697
00:49:18,123 --> 00:49:19,380
we ask that those of you in our audience

698
00:49:19,380 --> 00:49:21,370
to please remain seated as we now prepare

699
00:49:21,370 --> 00:49:23,380
for the official wreath presentations

700
00:49:23,380 --> 00:49:27,437
in honor of those who served
and sacrificed in World War II.

701
00:49:30,206 --> 00:49:32,789
(band playing)

702
00:50:46,600 --> 00:50:47,440
Ladies and gentlemen,

703
00:50:47,440 --> 00:50:49,540
representing the United States of America

704
00:50:49,540 --> 00:50:51,260
is Deputy Secretary of Defense,

705
00:50:51,260 --> 00:50:53,440
the Honorable David Norquist,

706
00:50:53,440 --> 00:50:55,190
Inspector General of the US Army,

707
00:50:55,190 --> 00:50:57,140
Lieutenant General Leslie Smith,

708
00:50:57,140 --> 00:50:58,550
Susan Eisenhower,

709
00:50:58,550 --> 00:51:01,353
and World War II veteran Herman Zeitchik.

710
00:51:53,110 --> 00:51:56,200
Representing France are
General Bruno Cuche,

711
00:51:56,200 --> 00:51:58,190
Embassy of France Defense Attache

712
00:51:58,190 --> 00:51:59,980
French Air Force Brigadier General

713
00:51:59,980 --> 00:52:01,700
Jean-Pierre Montegu,

714
00:52:01,700 --> 00:52:03,880
Monseigneur Antoine de Romanet,

715
00:52:03,880 --> 00:52:07,970
and from the Embassy of
France, Colonel Remy Bosorollo,

716
00:52:07,970 --> 00:52:10,520
who served with the
French Red Cross in Paris

717
00:52:10,520 --> 00:52:11,573
during World War II.

718
00:52:46,762 --> 00:52:50,095
(police siren sounding)

719
00:53:27,690 --> 00:53:29,680
Representing the Fourth Infantry Division,

720
00:53:29,680 --> 00:53:32,760
our First Brigade Commander
Colonel Ike Sallee

721
00:53:32,760 --> 00:53:35,393
and World War II veteran,
Mr. Harry Miller.

722
00:54:11,150 --> 00:54:13,190
Representing the 28th Infantry Division

723
00:54:13,190 --> 00:54:16,290
are Commanding General,
Major General Andrew Schafer,

724
00:54:16,290 --> 00:54:18,593
and Chaplain Lieutenant
Colonel Tammie Crews.

725
00:54:40,690 --> 00:54:42,950
Representing the Second
French Armored Division

726
00:54:42,950 --> 00:54:46,710
are French 501st Combat Tank
Regiment Brigade Commander

727
00:54:46,710 --> 00:54:48,450
Colonel Gregory Colombani,

728
00:54:48,450 --> 00:54:51,273
and World War II Veteran
Mr. Leonard Smith.

729
00:55:22,300 --> 00:55:24,390
Representing the First Alliance Foundation

730
00:55:24,390 --> 00:55:26,380
are the Honorable Carole Brookins

731
00:55:26,380 --> 00:55:28,830
and Lieutenant General,
retired, Olivier Tramond.

732
00:55:47,330 --> 00:55:49,850
And representing the Friends
of the National World War II

733
00:55:49,850 --> 00:55:52,050
Memorial is retired
Army Lieutenant General

734
00:55:52,050 --> 00:55:54,570
Mick Kicklighter and the US Marine veteran

735
00:55:54,570 --> 00:55:56,950
Miss Toni Williams from
the District of Columbia's

736
00:55:56,950 --> 00:55:59,373
Mayor's Office of Veteran Affairs.

737
00:56:23,750 --> 00:56:25,200
Ladies and gentlemen, at this time,

738
00:56:25,200 --> 00:56:26,620
we ask that you please rise

739
00:56:26,620 --> 00:56:29,870
and render appropriate
honors of the playing of Taps

740
00:56:29,870 --> 00:56:31,860
by Master Sergeant Todd Taylor

741
00:56:31,860 --> 00:56:34,670
with the United States
Army Band "Pershing's Own."

742
00:56:41,687 --> 00:56:43,770
("Taps")

743
00:57:37,720 --> 00:57:41,020
Ministry to the French Army's
Monseigneur Antoine de Romanet

744
00:57:41,020 --> 00:57:42,520
will now give the Benediction.

745
00:57:55,178 --> 00:57:56,384
- [Antoine De Romanet] I'm sure that we,

746
00:57:56,384 --> 00:57:58,310
with the assistance of the Holy Spirit,

747
00:57:58,310 --> 00:58:01,203
each of us could understand
a few words of the French.

748
00:58:03,177 --> 00:58:07,010
(speaking a foreign language)

749
00:59:43,159 --> 00:59:46,530
God bless America and God bless France.

750
00:59:46,530 --> 00:59:49,473
God bless the friendship
between France and America.

751
00:59:50,490 --> 00:59:54,020
God bless each man and
woman on this earth.

752
00:59:54,020 --> 00:59:55,023
Amen.
- Amen.

753
01:00:04,494 --> 01:00:05,986
- Forward.
- Forward.

754
01:00:05,986 --> 01:00:07,653
- [Commander] March.

755
01:00:34,560 --> 01:00:36,070
- [Announcer] At this
time, our official party

756
01:00:36,070 --> 01:00:37,040
may take their seats,

757
01:00:37,040 --> 01:00:39,590
and we ask that everybody
else to please be seated.

758
01:00:44,530 --> 01:00:46,740
The United States Army
Band "Pershing's Own,"

759
01:00:46,740 --> 01:00:48,330
conducted by Major Dae Kim,

760
01:00:48,330 --> 01:00:50,870
will now perform La Suite Francaise

761
01:00:50,870 --> 01:00:52,860
by French composer Darius Milhaud,

762
01:00:53,787 --> 01:00:56,130
a French-Jewish composer
who, fleeing the Nazis,

763
01:00:56,130 --> 01:00:57,900
was given refuge in the United States

764
01:00:57,900 --> 01:01:00,400
during the occupation of France.

765
01:01:00,400 --> 01:01:03,040
Milhaud wrote Suite Francaise in 1944

766
01:01:03,040 --> 01:01:05,270
on a commission from Leeds Music,

767
01:01:05,270 --> 01:01:08,210
which published the piece in 1945.

768
01:01:08,210 --> 01:01:10,730
It was premiered by the
Goldman Band in New York City

769
01:01:10,730 --> 01:01:14,130
on June 13, 1945.

770
01:01:14,130 --> 01:01:16,897
Milhaud said of the piece,
"The five parts of this Suite

771
01:01:16,897 --> 01:01:19,027
"are named after French provinces,

772
01:01:19,027 --> 01:01:21,587
"the very ones in which the
American and Allied Armies

773
01:01:21,587 --> 01:01:23,187
"fought together with
the French underground

774
01:01:23,187 --> 01:01:25,720
"of the liberation of my country."

775
01:01:25,720 --> 01:01:27,420
Normandy, Brittany, Ile de France,

776
01:01:29,013 --> 01:01:33,000
of which Paris is the center,

777
01:01:33,000 --> 01:01:36,813
Alsace-Lorraine, and
Provence, his birthplace.

778
01:01:37,740 --> 01:01:40,010
Sometimes he used folk
tunes of these provinces

779
01:01:40,010 --> 01:01:43,480
and wanted young Americans
to hear the popular melodies

780
01:01:43,480 --> 01:01:44,820
of those parts of France,

781
01:01:44,820 --> 01:01:46,640
where their fathers and brothers fought

782
01:01:46,640 --> 01:01:48,640
to defeat the German invaders.

783
01:01:48,640 --> 01:01:51,120
Ladies and gentlemen, madame et messieurs,

784
01:01:51,120 --> 01:01:52,697
La Suite Francaise.

785
01:01:59,192 --> 01:02:03,359
("La Suite Francaise: Normandie")

786
01:03:45,733 --> 01:03:48,900
(audience applauding)

787
01:04:01,074 --> 01:04:05,907
("La Suite Francaise - Ile de France")

788
01:05:56,958 --> 01:06:00,125
(audience applauding)

789
01:06:20,861 --> 01:06:25,861
("La Suite Francaise - Alsace-Lorraine")

790
01:07:32,443 --> 01:07:35,610
(audience applauding)

791
01:07:45,622 --> 01:07:50,039
("La Suite Francaise - Provence")

792
01:10:35,835 --> 01:10:39,002
(audience applauding)

793
01:10:45,640 --> 01:10:46,790
And now, ladies and gentlemen,

794
01:10:46,790 --> 01:10:48,760
we ask that you please rise and sing along

795
01:10:48,760 --> 01:10:52,310
with the US Army Band as
they play God Bless America.

796
01:11:07,980 --> 01:11:11,147
("God Bless America")

797
01:12:06,444 --> 01:12:09,582
(audience applauding)

798
01:12:09,582 --> 01:12:10,415
Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes

799
01:12:10,415 --> 01:12:13,080
the Friends of the National
World War II Memorial's

800
01:12:13,080 --> 01:12:16,408
Liberation of Paris 75th
Anniversary Commemoration.

801
01:12:16,408 --> 01:12:17,241
Before,