The largest square in Paris, Place de la Concorde, hosted a reduced and unprecedented 14 July on Tuesday. No armored parade, half the troops on the ground for a limited military ceremony, even the tribute to General de Gaulle and his spirit of resistance echoed the coronavirus crisis. Above all, there were no popular crowds around to applaud the armies and participate in the most symbolic moment of the national holiday. While the health threat had not been lifted, rallies had to be avoided and access to the neighborhood had been restricted, leaving a feeling of absence despite the nation's tribute.
"It's a quiet July 14, a little empty, almost confidential," observes Isabelle Harel, in the stands. She came with the La Poste group and in particular postal workers who continued the distributions. "They were deserving," she says, admiring. This ceremony is “a mark of exceptional recognition”, she underlines.
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