Paris on Sunday celebrated the 80th anniversary of its liberation from German troops in World War II with tributes, military marches and the hoisting of a flag at the Eiffel Tower.
On Aug. 25, 1944, the 2nd French Armored Division entered the capital under the command of Gen. Philippe Leclerc de Hautecloque, ending 1,500 days of German occupation.
Their triumphant arrival followed a tumultuous week of uprisings, strikes, combat at barricades and street battles between French Resistance fighters and occupying forces.