Just before midnight on August 24th, 1944 the battle to liberate Paris during World War II began. The French 2nd Armored Division reached the Hótel de Ville in the heart of Paris. The next morning, they swept clear the western half of Paris while the U.S. 4th Infantry Division cleared the eastern part. Paris was at last free from four long years of a terrible occupation that cost thousands of lives lost.
The symbolic soul of the French nation began its restoration. French and U.S. military forces fought together as they had since the Revolutionary War, as one team united by common values.
The liberation of this iconic European city from Nazi control was a strategic bellwether in the Allied road toward defeating Hitler. It served as an important symbolic victory and a powerful message of hope for all the Allied nations. Following the Liberation of Paris, French forces continued to fight with great success against Nazi Germany as a key partner of the Allied campaign until the end of the War in Europe in May 1945.
In times of both war and peace, throughout our history, the role of our Allies has proven essential in preserving the basis for a stable, free, and prosperous world. During World War II, cooperation between the Allied nations was critical in defeating the forces of tyranny and ending the deadliest military conflict in human history. For the United States, alliances have played key roles dating back to our founding in 1776. The “First Alliance” between the U.S. and France has endured with trust, courage, and selfless service in common purpose for nearly 242 years. Today, we commemorate that alliance and honor all the armed forces and civilians who fought and served during the liberation of Paris.
