Two ceremonies commemorating the capitulation of Nazi Germany were organized this Friday, May 8, in Douarnenez. The first took place at the Tréboul cemetery, at 10 a.m., the second at Jos-Pencalet square, at 11:15 a.m.
The international context, marked by numerous wars fought in different places around the globe, interfered in the speeches of elected officials and representatives of patriotic associations. “On this 81st anniversary of the Victory so dearly won, we must measure the price of all these sacrifices for a regained freedom. We must pass on our history to younger generations. But for all that, let us remain vigilant because our democracy is fragile. Every day, we realize this by witnessing the awakening of religious fanaticism and exacerbated nationalism. The return of war in Europe, in the Middle East, reminds us that peace and freedom are never definitively acquired,” recalled Jocelyne Poitevin, mayor. President of the Association of Military Medalists of Douarnenez, Hervé Piron pointed out “the trivialization of ideas which led us to the abominations of the Second World War”, and “a new world order which would like to impose itself in place of that born in 1945”.
