France honours resistance heroes in rare event at Pantheon in Paris

France has paid tribute to four of its citizens who joined the Resistance against the Nazis in World War Two by inducting them into the Pantheon mausoleum in Paris. The rare ceremony, headed by President Francois Hollande, was intended to bring the country together at a time when people feel under growing threat from extremism and anti-Semitism. Coffins representing Genevieve de Gaulle-Anthonioz and Germaine Tillion, and containing the remains of Pierre Brossolette and Jean Zay, were taken through the streets of Paris so that people could pay their respects. Hollande referred to the terror attacks in France earlier this year during his speech at the final resting place for heroes of the French Republic.

Every generation has a duty to remain vigilant, a duty to resist.

President Francois Hollande

He said: “Seventy years on, these hatreds re-emerge, bearing different faces and under different circumstances, but always with the same words, and the same intentions. They target innocents, journalists, Jews and policemen. The French stood together on January 11 to counter this deadly resurgence because they’re never afraid of defending their freedom. Pierre Brossolette, Genevieve De Gaulle-Anthonioz, Germaine Tillon, Jean Zay take your place. Here. It is yours. Long live the Republic and long live France.”

Pierre Brossolette, Genevieve De Gaulle-Anthonioz, Germaine Tillon, Jean Zay take your place. Here. It is yours. Long live the Republic and long live France.

Ms de Gaulle-Anthonioz

Europe