Tribute paid to fallen soldiers of World War II at French War Memorial in Puducherry

 

Puducherry: National Day of Commemoration of the Victory on May 8, 1945, the end of the second world war, was observed at the French War Memorial in Puducherry on Sunday. On the 77th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a tribute was paid at French War Memorial to those who lost their lives in the war.

The day celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945. Second World War was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. World War II also led to causalities among the French military. Notably, Puducherry has a French colonial heritage. The prospering trade of Puducherry attracted the French which led to the French settlement in Puducherry in 1674 A.D.

The French acquired Mahe in 1720, Yanam in 1731, and Karaikal in 1738. The British captured the city from the French but returned it following the Treaty of Paris in 1763. This Anglo-French war continued until 1814 A.D. France had control over the settlements of Puducherry, Mahe, Yanam, Karaikal, and Chandernagar even during the British period until 1954. It was a reign of one hundred and thirty-eight years under the French and finally, on 31st October 1954, they left the Indian shores following de facto transfer of power.

Later, the Indian government agreed to the continuation of the existing French institutions of a scientific or cultural character and, by agreement between the two Governments, to the granting of facilities for the opening of establishments of the same character. Moreover, during the French elections, the Union Territory of Puducherry with over 4,000 French citizens residing in the former colony exercised their franchise to vote.

France offers its citizens abroad, who are over 18 years of age and have registered to be on the electoral list in the Consulate General of France to vote in person, in their country of residence, an opportunity to vote for the presidential elections, referendums, legislative elections, European elections and elections of the councilors of French citizens abroad.