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Remembered Today:

Somme Ceremonies July 1st


The Incomer

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Is anyone aware of any reaction to this year's French protocol which appears to affect all ceremonies and wreath laying.?

Les

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Is anyone aware of any reaction to this year's French protocol which appears to affect all ceremonies and wreath laying.?

Les

News to me - please explain. Thanks.

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Only one I know of is the French President or his representative, probably the Mayor, lays their floral tribute first.

Mick

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I'd be interested to see the small print. I cannot see how it would apply to memorials that are French state property (eg CWGC cemeteries and memorials, Vimy, BH and the like) but are administered by a foreign government. For example, I cannot really see the Governor General of Canada playing second fiddle to the mayor of Vimy or the Prefet at a 9th April (or thereabouts) ceremony at Vimy - or even a Minister of Veterans Affairs - or even, come to think about it, the Queen.

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Even more of a reason to look forward to the services now.

Mick

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The edict dates back to 1989.You are on the right lines Mick,but it seems the right to lay the first wreath extends further than the Presidents representative to include some senior regional officials although the organiser of the particular ceremony can join him. However it also seems that he can alter the order that other French officials or societies lay their wreaths.Quite why this matter has not arisen before is unclear but it is causing problems for those groups whose July 1st programmes have already been printed.

Les

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