In this heartfelt speech, we take a deep dive into the emotional and historical events surrounding the Liberation of Paris during World War II. Through personal stories, diaries, and reflections, we get a real sense of the bravery, resilience, and hope that defined this critical moment. We hear the voices of Parisians as they lived through the end of Nazi occupation and the joy of seeing their city freed once again.

I recently had this drawing framed. It’s a drawing of my nineteen year old father created by an artist in Paris the week of August 25, 1944. That was the week following the allied liberation of Paris from the Nazis. My father told me the mood of the city was jubilant and joyful. Dad was hanging out in a Parisian cafe with some of the young people of the city. (sporting a newly grown moustache perhaps inspired by the locals?) One of the group did this drawing for my dad, and as you can see from the wrinkles and creases, he carried it in his pocket through the remainder of the war, and brought it back home for his sweetheart (my mum). She passed away on New Years Eve 2018/2019. I retrieved the sketch from her belongings before the contents of her home were divided and dispersed. I just realised a few weeks ago that this drawing laying in my drawer, would be 77 years old in a short time.. So it was definitely time to give it a proper home. * * * * * * * #charcoaldrawing #paris1944 #ww2 #ww2veteran #thankyouforyourservice #drawingoftheday #supergorgeousness #instagay #helleaux #learningtosee #artnerd #inspirationiseverywhere #instagrammers #appropriation #artfag #arthag #Helleaux #StayAtHomeModel #shotoniPhone (at Newport, New South Wales, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQki0VnrtpZ/?utm_medium=tumblr