Monday 11 November 2013 from 20:00 to 22:00
Arc de Triomphe de Paris

​

ARC DE TRIOMPHE - PARIS

REKINDLING THE FLAME OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

​

On 11 November 1923, the Sacred Flame was lit for the first time under the Arc de Triomphe. It has been rekindled every evening since, as a tribute to the Unknown Soldier and all the soldiers who died to defend France, and as a way to express the hope of achieving world peace. 
On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of this eternal flame, former military governor of Paris and president of the Flame Committee, General Bruno Dary, asked the Fondation pour le Rayonnement de la Trompe Musicale to contribute to the exceptional torchlight ceremony on 11 November 2013. The ceremony took place from 20:00 to 22:00 in the presence of the highest State authorities.

​

Alongside the Musique de la Garde Républicaine, the musical horn was sounded under the Arc de Triomphe by the Rallye Trompes de Paris, a young and talented group of hornists that would go on to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its creation in 2014. 
After the “Fastes de la Trompe” at Les Invalides and the Saint-Hubert’s day celebration during the 850th jubilee of Notre-Dame de Paris, and by sounding La Lanson, Les Honneurs and Le Chant Final, the horn showed itself to be a thriving part of French musical heritage. 
By taking part, in this place and at this time, in this grandiose illuminated procession and in the Rekindling of the Flame, the FRTM allowed the musical horn to shine at the very heart of the history of France.

​

........................................................

​

Photos © Olivier Martel