Latest news with #Tomb
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Viral video shows man lighting cigarette from Paris' eternal flame
Source: Getty Images A man in Paris is facing legal action and possible expulsion from France after he lit his cigarette from the country's eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The incident took place beneath the Arc de Triomphe, a site that honors soldiers who died for France. The man, identified as a 47-year-old Moroccan immigrant, was caught on video stepping over a chain barrier and bending toward the flame. Tourists were nearby, and some filmed the moment. The footage quickly spread on social media, drawing sharp criticism from politicians and veterans' groups. French police arrested him soon after the video appeared online. He has been charged with violating a war memorial, which is a criminal offense in France. The man has been handed a three-month suspended sentence, according to Ireland's National Public Service Multi-Media Organisation, Raidió Teilifís Éireann. As per the report, admitted his actions during an expedited trial, describing his behavior as "the stupidity of the century. " France's Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, condemned the act on social media, calling it 'unworthy and deplorable.' He said it insulted the memory of those who had fought and died for the country. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Emma & Mia Are Retiring — Their Handmade Jewelry Is 80% Off Sedona Daily Post Read More Undo The French daily Le Figaro reported that the man was already known to police. He has been in trouble before. The interior ministry has announced that his residency permit will be revoked. This move could lead to his deportation to Morocco. The significance of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath Paris's Arc de Triomphe is one of France's most important symbols of remembrance. It honors all soldiers who gave their lives for the nation in World War I but whose identities were never known. The idea was first proposed in 1916, while the war was still raging and its outcome uncertain. On November 12, 1919, one year and a day after the armistice, the concept received formal recognition. Officials decided that the chosen soldier's remains would be placed in the Panthéon, the grand resting place of France's most celebrated citizens. However, the public felt the memorial should be more accessible and visible. After a large-scale letter-writing campaign, the government agreed to bury the Unknown Soldier at the base of the Arc de Triomphe, a central monument already associated with French military triumph and sacrifice. The Arc de Triomphe stands at the heart of Paris, where twelve grand avenues converge, making it a focal point of national ceremonies. Beneath it, the Unknown Soldier came to represent every soldier who never returned home. In 1923, the eternal flame was lit at the tomb. It burns without interruption, representing the nation's unending gratitude and the enduring memory of the fallen. The flame is rekindled each evening in a solemn ritual attended by veterans and officials.
Local France
3 days ago
- Local France
Man who lit cigarette at Paris flame memorial given suspended sentence
The man, whose name was given as Hakim H., was found guilty of desecrating the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by a Paris criminal court. "I deeply regret this, I apologise to all French people," the 47-year-old construction worker said, before bursting into tears in the dock during the expedited trial. The man, who lives in Normandy and sleeps at his workplace in Paris during the week, admitted the charges against him, calling his action "the stupidity of the century." The Moroccan citizen who holds French residency papers said he had acted under the influence of alcohol and medicines. He was also fined a symbolic euro and ordered to seek treatment for alcohol and drug addictions. Advertisement The video of a man stooping and lighting up from the fire at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe, before walking calmly away watched by tourists, caused indignation when it was widely shared on social media. The incident happened on Monday evening and the man was arrested on Tuesday afternoon, police told AFP. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has stood under the Arc of Triumph since 1920 to commemorate the country's dead from World War I.
Daily Mirror
02-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Italy's Amalfi Coast is beautiful but totally rammed - I found a solution'
Italy's Amalfi Coast is the stuff of travel dreams – sun-drenched villages perched on cliffs, winding coastal roads and sumptuous seafood fresh from the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Mediterranean. When most people think of this wider region, the Sorrentine Peninsula, Positano, Capri and Amalfi immediately come to mind. And rightly so – because they are beautiful. But they can also be expensive and, in peak season, extremely crowded. But for travellers seeking the same southern Italian charm, minus the price tag and packed streets, there's a better-kept secret – the city of Salerno and its nearby villages. This Campanian delight offers everything from glorious coastal views and ancient ruins to fine local cuisine and peaceful beaches, all noticeably less costly than its neighbours to the west for food, drink and accommodation. Salerno often gets overlooked by those racing towards the more famous Amalfi Coast destinations, but this vibrant port city could be just as good a gateway to the area as Sorrento. It's also arguably where you'll find a much more grounded and authentic version of southern Italy. The historic centre of Salerno is showstopping at every corner. Winding alleyways, medieval churches and enticing trattorias fill the maze-like streets, making you feel like you're walking through the real Italy. Strolling through the character-filled Via dei Mercanti, you'll pass locals shopping and sipping espresso on shaded corners, making you feel like you've taken a step back in time. The Duomo di Salerno cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and the Castello perched on a hill above the city offers a fine backdrop. A visit there rewards you with sweeping views of the coast and cityscape – it is visible from almost every point in Salerno, so the view is unparalleled. Transport is another area where Salerno shines. It's connected by high-speed train to Naples and Rome and, from its port, you can catch ferries to Amalfi, Positano and Capri. That means you can enjoy the Amalfi Coast without having to stay in the middle of the madness. It has never been easier to travel there either, with British Airways Euroflyer now travelling from Gatwick to Salerno three times a week from £60 one way and offering flight and car package deals. Exploring further, the ancient Greek city of Paestum, 24 miles south of Salerno, is the perfect alternative to the hot and heaving Pompeii. Three massive Doric temples dominate the site, and each is still remarkably intact. Unlike Pompeii, Paestum is often quiet, even in summer, but offers a spellbinding look into the ancient city's history. You can explore the site in peace, and the fascinating adjoining Paestum Archaeological Museum displays the famous Tomb of the Diver – which dates from around 500 to 475 BC– one of the few examples of Greek painting to survive from antiquity ( Paestum is surrounded by serene farmland and pine forests, offering a striking contrast to the rugged cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. It's a fantastic spot for travellers looking to unwind in the countryside without losing proximity to the sea. The beaches near Paestum are sandy and sprawling, with crystal-clear waters and only a smattering of umbrellas. One particular highlight in the area is the San Salvatore 1988 Organic Farm, with its own vineyard, buffalo farm and restaurant. The fresh bufala mozzarella was divine and my group even got to watch a 'nonna' make pasta from scratch, which was a fascinating experience. You'll need a base in the Salerno area, and the Savoy Hotel & Spa in Paestum provides opulence with a quiet atmosphere, offering the perfect escape with the backdrop of an infinity pool and the surrounding hills. It even boasts its own beach club, perfect for a sunset aperitivo before you try the homegrown delicacies at its Michelin-star restaurant Tre Olivi. For those who may find even Salerno a little too busy, the area also boasts a number of beautiful villages well worth visiting including Trentinara, nestled in the hills, and Castellabate, which has the double bonus of a gorgeous view out to sea from the hills and a charming marina at nearby San Marco di Castellabate. The lovely fortress of Castello di Rocca Cilento was also a highlight, with more gorgeous views over the sea and great location for a pitstop with a delicious lunch within the castle walls. Having been to Sorrento a number of times, I have always been charmed by its old town, upscale hotels and delicious food, but Salerno is definitely an Amalfi Coast alternative worth exploring. A rich history, sweeping countryside and affordable prices – what's not to love? Book the holiday
Local France
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Local France
July 14th: What's happening during France's Fête nationale this year
July 14th is the Fête nationale in France, sometimes known as Bastille Day in the anglophone world. It marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789 – the event that symbolises the beginning of the French revolution. There are many ways to celebrate, including fireworks displays, traditional parades and the highly popular bals de pompiers , where French firefighters host parties in their station houses. The day is a public holiday and this year falls on a Monday, giving a nice three-day weekend to workers. Parades Towns and cities across France hold events on July 14th. In Paris, the President attends the country's largest military parade, which will be televised. This year, it returns to its usual route along the Champs-Élysées, after moving in 2024 because of preparations for the Olympic Games in Paris. Advertisement The 2025 event will mark two centenaries – that of the Comité de la Flamme, which has been responsible for ensuring the daily rekindling of the Flame of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe since 1925, as well as that of the symbol of national solidarity the Bleuet de France, which was first introduced that same year. READ ALSO : French word of the Day: Bleuet✎ To open the ceremony, the President will present a new sword to the Flame Committee during an unprecedented ceremony at Place Charles-de-Gaulle, before a moment of reflection at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At the end of the ceremony, young people from military training camps, cadets, civic service volunteers and the SNU will form a human Bleuet in front of the presidential stand to the strains of an original piece of music called Le Souffle du Bleuet . The event will take place in the morning of Monday, July 14th, from 9.55am, and will run around 12 noon. Some 7,000 people will take part, along with 200 horses and 102 aircraft, according to official figures. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is this year's guest of honour at the event, which also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Franco-Indonesian diplomatic relations. Concert A free concert on the Champ de Mars, featuring the Orchestre National de France, the Maîtrise, and the Chœur de Radio France will kick off the evening's celebrations in the capital. This concert will be broadcast live on France 2 and France Inter, and simultaneously by the EBU-Eurovision in more than 20 countries, making it one of the largest classical music events in the world, with several million viewers. Fireworks It's traditional for towns and cities across France to put on fireworks displays on the night itself, or on July 13th. These happen even in quite small towns so check your local mairie's website or Facebook page for details. It's also worth checking if the event will go ahead if your area is under alert for wildfires. Advertisement As well as the fireworks, a display involving 1,000 drones will light up the night sky above Paris, following the success of last year's Olympic Games-related show. The display will start around 11pm, from the Bassins du Trocadéro as usual but also, and for the most part, from the Eiffel Tower itself. Bals de pompiers French firefighters traditionally open up their stations to visitors around the date of the Fête Nationale, and host the famous bals des pompiers (firemen's balls). Check your local press for details. Many of these events are family-friendly and laid back, but others may get a little more raunchy later on as les pompiers show off their famously well-honed physiques to an appreciative audience. READ ALSO : French firefighters: Why are they so smoking hot?✎ Closures and operating hours July 14th is a public holiday in France and, as it falls on a Monday this year, that means a long weekend is in store for many workers. Advertisement Larger chains such as supermarkets, especially in the cities, may be open for part of the day, but may have different or limited opening hours. Bars, cafés, restaurants and tourist attractions should be open as normal. Banks and government offices, however, will be closed, as will many independent shops plus sites such as leisure centres. Trains and buses run as normal while city public transport will still run but may have slightly altered opening hours. If you're in Paris note that some Metro stations will be closed along the route of the parade and the concert. Emergency services operate as normal, most doctors or dentists will close their offices but pharmacies have a rota system called the pharmacie de garde , meaning that at least one is open in each area. Tour de France Organisers of the iconic cycle race have slightly altered the schedule of rest days this year so that Monday will see racing. On July 14th the cyclists will be tackling the mountainous Puy-de-Dôme area, setting off from Ennezat and finishing at Le Mont Dore. READ ALSO : 7 reasons to watch the Tour de France (even if you have no interest in cycling)✎
NBC News
08-07-2025
- General
- NBC News
Army will end most of its ceremonial horse programs and adopt out the animals
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army's history is closely tied to its cavalry units, those soldiers who rode into battle on horseback. But the service announced Tuesday that it's moving toward a future without the ceremonial horses and will put most of them up for adoption. The Army, however, will keep operating the Old Guard ceremonial caisson units at Joint Base San Antonio and Arlington National Cemetery for burial honors. Ceremonial cavalry units will be closed down at bases, including Fort Cavazos in Texas, whose horses were showcased during the military parade in Washington on June 14, which was the Army's 250th anniversary and also President Donald Trump's birthday. Army spokesperson Steve Warren said other ceremonial units will close at Fort Carson in Colorado, Fort Sill in Oklahoma, Fort Irwin in California, Fort Riley in Kansas and Fort Huachuca in Arizona. The Army estimates that closing down the units will save about $2 million a year, and the changes are being made as part of its overall warfighting realignment, Warren said. The Army is giving the affected bases 12 months to shutter the units. A total of 141 horses will be adopted outside the military, Warren said. Some horses may be donated to organizations, but none will be sold, he said. The horses "are part of the Army family, we're going to treat them with compassion," Warren said. The Army has just recently resumed caisson operations at Arlington National Cemetery after an investigation found the horses in those units were mistreated, left to graze in lots with little grass, leading them to consume sand and gravel. Two horses died in 2022, and caisson operations were suspended until earlier this year. The Arlington National Cemetery horses are part of the caisson platoon of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, which is best known for guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the cemetery, located just across the river from Washington.
