Many cities and towns in France have a street named "8 mai 1945", for the day the armistice was signed to end World War II in Europe. Victory in Europe day is still commemorated as a national holiday here. In Amboise, it consisted of a parade through the streets by a small marching band, a small contingent of soldiers, the mayor and other town officials, and of course the school kids carrying flowers and little flags. It was a rather solemn event as the officials and the kids placed flowers on the various war memorials. There were no speeches but there was, of course, a spirited rendition of the Marseillaise! It was a short yet moving ceremony.
Don't be confused by the date in the title...it is of course 9 May today...which is yet another national holiday in France...Ascension. Since there are two holidays this week, a lot of people are taking the other three days as vacation.
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