President Macron said the soldiers who took part in the landings fought for “self-determination, sovereignty and territorial integrity” at a ceremony in Bouloury-sur-Mer where hundreds of soldiers are buried.
He paid tribute to the important role played by African soldiers, often forcibly recruited, who currently come from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Togo, Morocco and Niger.
“They all accomplished it that day and the days that followed. They knew the tremendous risks, but they did it with courageous boldness and irresistible strength.”
Along with the French president, Paul Biya of Cameroon, Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic and several other leaders attended.
“Without the contribution of other peoples, without the contribution of foreigners, there would have been no Allied victory,” Mr. Villa said in his speech.
He added: “These brave soldiers from West Africa, Equatorial Africa, Madagascar and the Indian Ocean have done a very good job.
“They paid a very heavy price for their victory. They were exemplary warriors, often carrying on memorable war traditions, and were admired for their courage, daring and loyalty.”
Soldiers who took part in the Provence landings (called Operation Dragoon) were instrumental in capturing the key Mediterranean ports of Marseille and Toulon, opening a new front and putting pressure on Nazi forces.
