On this day in 1944, US and French forces completed the liberation of Paris.<\/p>\n
The liberation of Paris began with a general strike starting on 15 August 1944, while still under German control. On 19 August, French Forces of the Interior (FFI, AKA La R\u00e9sistance<\/em>) in Paris began operations against German forces. <\/p>\n On 24 August, Allied forces entered Paris, reinforcing the FFI. The French 2nd Armored Division entered the western part of the city; the US 4th Infantry Division entered the eastern portions.<\/p>\n On 25 August, remaining German forces in Paris surrendered.<\/p>\n Militarily, the capture of Paris was probably of minor importance. Psychologically, however, it was hugely important – especially for our French allies.<\/p>\n Tonight, perhaps over dinner or during the evening, take a moment to remember those events of 70 years ago. On that day freedom was restored to the capital our oldest ally – one instrumental in securing our own freedom over 160 years earlier.<\/p>\n
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