news desk
Paris
United in the rain, world leaders walked slowly up the Champs-Elysees in Paris to mark a century since the end of World War I — but there were two notable absences, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
The line of black-clad leaders was reminiscent of another moment of unity: after the 2015 Charlie Hebdo jihadist attack, when senior officials from more than 40 countries marched through Paris to denounce terrorism. But on Sunday both the US and Russian presidents arrived separately for the solemn ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, skipping the bus ride and symbolic walk with other leaders. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump, who wore a cornflower — France’s war remembrance flower — in his lapel, had arrived separately “due to security protocols”.
His trademark bright red tie stood out among the dark coats in the front row as he and Putin stood either side of Macron.
The French president walked alone through the rain to greet veterans to the strains of the national anthem, La Marseillaise.
The moment stood in contrast to Trump’s much criticised decision Saturday to call off a US cemetery visit because of rainy weather.
In another stark contrast with Trump, Macron went on to deliver a forceful speech against fear-mongering and isolationism, calling on fellow leaders to fight together for peace.
“Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism,” Macron said.
“Let us build our hopes rather than playing our fears against each other.”
‘Will we ever learn?’
The ceremony, to remember the millions who died in the war, including colonial troops fighting for European powers, had a deliberately international flavour.which was the centerpiece of his visit to Paris for the armistice centenary.
