Memory of the world: The memorial program to the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the World War I is preparing

Russian and France are preparing the joint memorial program as part of the centenary of the World War I.

-It is important to involve the people of our countries to participate in the memorial actions. The main purpose is teaching. It is necessary to maintain the memory of the heroism of our forefathers, but again - in the XXI century – to think about the origins which led to the first planetary conflict – noted the chairman of the Interministerial Committee for the preparation of the anniversary of General Elric Irastorza.

France is preparing a large five-year program of activities. The start to the anniversary marathon, in fact, was given back in 2011. The first notable event was the opening in the center of Paris monument to soldiers and officers of the Russian Expeditionary Corps, designed to help the French army during the World War II.

-Without participation of Russia the outcome of many battles for the Allies and especially for France could have been different, - says Elrik Irastorza.

Chairman of the Interdepartmental Committee on the preparation for the anniversary reminded that the French and the British managed to win the battle of the Marne in 1914, largely due to the offensive taken by Russia in East Prussia and Galicia. This forced the German command to transfer from France to the Russian front two army corps and one cavalry division.

France, as old representative of the Ministry of Defense Serge Barselini, is considering a number of joint activities with the states that participated in the World War I. Among them is the summit of all the countries - participants of the conflict, to be held in Sarajevo in the memory of the murder in this city the heir to the Austrian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which was the reason for the war. In addition, the French side is going to give an “international character” of the traditional parade on the Champs Elysees on July 14.