On August 28, 1944, local Nice Resistance fighters launched an insurrection against the German occupation, pushing Germans out of the city by the end of the day. Fighting was fierce throughout the city and led to the death of 32 Nice soldiers. Two days later, an American armored column from Saint-Laurent du Var arrived in the city, securing its liberation.
For the 77th anniversary of its liberation this coming Saturday, Nice will pay tribute to the fallen in a solemn procession throughout town. Beginning at 8am at the Mairie (5 rue de l’Hotel de Ville), the procession will pass the commemorative plaques of resistance fighters before culminating in a ceremony at the Monument aux Morts. Naturally Mayor Christian Estrosi and other local dignitaries will be present. Anyone can join the procession at any point.
Following are the other stops along the route:
- 8:40 am – level crossing, 2 boulevard de Cessole
- 9:10 am – Place du Général de Gaulle, corner Raiberti
- 9.45 a.m. – place Auguste Blanqui, 55 boulevard Pierre Sola
And, the day will finish with a fireworks display at 10pm on the Quai des Etats-Unis.
There are other places that commemorate Nice’s resistance fighters. Check out the Clock Tower on the Place du Palais de Justice which displays a plaque commemorating the deaths of two Italian-born Resistance fighters who died on the same day.
