50th anniversary of Franco-German reconciliation

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50th anniversary of Franco-German reconciliation

Merkel and Hollande
Photo 1 of 10 Photo: Bundesregierung/Kugler

Merkel and Hollande celebrate the 50th anniversary of Franco-German reconciliation in Reims

Blick in die Kathedrale von Reims während des Gedenkgottesdienstes.
Photo 2 of 10 Photo: Bundesregierung/Kugler

Reims, 08.07.12: Mit einem Gedenkgottesdienst in der Kathedrale von Reims zelebrieren Merkel und Hollande die deutsch-französische Aussöhnung nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg.

Merkel and Hollande walk up the cathedral’s stairs
Photo 3 of 10 Photo: Bundesregierung/Kugler

The celebration is „a wonderful symbol of the relationship of confidence which exists between our two countries and our two peoples”

Merkel und Hollande begrüßen Zuschauer
Photo 4 of 10 Photo: Bundesregierung/Kugler

Merkel: "Europa ist weit mehr als eine Währung."

Merkel and Hollande
Photo 5 of 10 Photo: Bundesregierung/Kugler

Hollande: "Our friendship inspires Europe."

Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer waves to the crowd in front of Reims Cathedral on 8 July 1962.
Photo 6 of 10 Photo: picture-alliance/Rohwedde

Fifty years ago, Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer went to France for a state visit.

Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President Charles de Gaulle in front of Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral.
Photo 7 of 10 Photo: Bundesregierung/Steiner

Adenauer took part in a High Mass alongside French President Charles de Gaulle at Reims Cathedral.

Konrad Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle in Reims Cathedral.
Photo 8 of 10 Photo: Bundesregierung/Steiner

Reims Cathedral is a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation.

French President Charles de Gaulle and Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer take part in a historical mass at Reims Cathedral.
Photo 9 of 10 Photo: picture-alliance/dpa

The meeting between Adenauer and de Gaulle in the Reims Cathedral sealed the reconciliation between Germany and France after the Second World War.

Commemorative paving stone in honour of Konrad Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle and Franco-German reconciliation after World War II.
Photo 10 of 10 Photo: picture-alliance/Eibner-Presse

A memorial plaque before the cathedral’s main entrance commemorates the historic event.