Général Leclerc just behind, de Gaulle
inspects the Honor Guard formed from the 2nd French Armored Division, and positioned at
place de l'Etoile.
De Gaulle speaks with George Bidault briefly before beginning the march down the
Champs Elysées.
The city having been subdued less than 24 hours earlier, sniper fire erupted several times on the way to Notre Dame.
Here a family takes cover.
De Gaulle refused to let the procession be disrupted, and continued to walk upright.
In Notre Dame, the Te Deum continued even as shots rang out inside the cathedral.
Who exactly the snipers were remains unknown. Two snipers who were caught
elsewhere in the city, were killed by
the enraged crowd before they could be interrogated. Some believe it was an attempt by the Communists
to disrupt the procession of de Gaulle which they knew would inevitably lead to his leadership of
France. However this has never been proven or substantiated.
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Updated 08/94