Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris
17 September 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the laying of the wreath at the center of the Arc de Triomphe where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was located.

President Aquino was given full military honors and the national anthems of France and the Philippines were played during the wreath-laying ceremony.

He was accompanied by State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Tourism and French Nationals Overseas Matthias Fekl and Deputy General for Engagement of the Military Governor of Paris Brigadier General Henry Bazin. Ambassador Ma. Theresa Lazaro and some members of the Cabinet were also present.

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous French monuments and was built in 1806 to honor those who fought and died for France in the French revolutionary and the  Napoleonic wars. Underneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.

The monument was designed by Jean Chalgrin and was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. It has the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on the inner and at the top of the arch.

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