(NEXSTAR) — As part of the 80th anniversary of the World War II Normandy landings in 1944, the eternal flame from France arrived in the US after a stop in England. The visit underscores the deep gratitude from France toward both countries for their roles in fighting for its freedom.
On June 6, 1944, troops from the United States, United Kingdom, and other Allied nations launched the D-Day invasion, landing on the beaches of Normandy, France — then occupied by Nazi Germany.
“Let us remember — obviously — French, American and British, and many other soldiers that fought together in the name of freedom and democracy,” said Laurent Bili, French ambassador to the U.S.
The flame, which has been burning since Nov. 11, 1923, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc du Triomphe in Paris, arrived on the flagship Queen Mary II after a seven day North Atlantic crossing. It was escorted by young French citizens, most of them under the age of 23.
“The eternal flame is a sentimental symbol of remembrance and reverence of our fallen soldiers,” said Edward Mermelstein, the Commissioner of International Affairs for the City of New York.
The flame will rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia until June 6, 2024.
