Ambassador of Pakistan in France Shafkat Saeed rekindled the eternal flame in the memory of Unknown Soldier of World War I at famous Arcde Triomphe in a simple and impressive ceremony here. This is for the first time that Pakistan has been given such a unique honour. The ceremony is held on August 4 every year to commemorate the memory of thousands of unknown soldiers who laid their lives defending their homeland.
The day has great importance for Commonwealth countries because the World War I was declared on August 4, 1914. Every year the veterans of the World War assemble at the grave of the Unknown Soldier. Dignitaries from Commonwealth are invited to rekindle the flame, which keeps burning throughout the year, it is therefore called the eternal flame. The Forces which fought the war included soldiers from some areas of the sub-continent, now part of Pakistan. It is for this reason that the ambassador of Pakistan in France Shafkat Saeed was invited this year to rekindle the flame.
Large number of people witnessed the ceremony. War veterans decorated with their medals marched through the Arc past the grave of the soldiers. Smartly turned contingent of French Armed Forces stood guard. French National Band played national anthems of Pakistan, France and the United Kingdom. One-minute silence was observed.
Members of Pakistani community with Pakistan Flag also attended the ceremony. After rekindling the flame, the ambassador met the war veterans present in the ceremony. The officers and staff of the embassy of Pakistan along with their families also attended the ceremony.
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