On May 8, 2026, French Foreign Legion units commemorated the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, marking the definitive overall surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces in 1945. As every year, legionnaires took part in ceremonies held both in France and overseas to honor the veterans and fallen soldiers of the conflict.
In 1945, three Foreign Legion units participated in the final campaigns against German forces, fighting in Germany, Austria, and Italy: the RMLE (the predecessor of today’s 3e REI), the 1er REC, and the 13e DBLE. Their wartime service remains an important part of the Legion’s history and traditions. More information can be found in our dedicated article: French Foreign Legion in World War II.
2026 Victory in Europe Day: 2e REI in Nimes
The 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2e REI) took part in the commemorative ceremony held in Nimes, the unit’s garrison town in southern France. As is customary on such occasions, the ceremony was attended by local civil and military authorities.
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2026 Victory in Europe Day: 1er REC in Marseille
The 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC) took part in the commemorative ceremony held in Marseille, southern France, at the Porte d’Aix, the city’s triumphal arch.
2026 Victory in Europe Day: 13e DBLE in Aveyron and Lozère
The 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13e DBLE) participated in commemorations marking the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe in the towns and villages across the Aveyron and Lozère departments of southern France.
2026 Victory in Europe Day: 1er REG in Laudun
The 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment (1er REG) participated in the Victory in Europe Day commemoration in Laudun, the unit’s garrison town in southern France.
2026 Victory in Europe Day: 2e REG in Vaucluse
The 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (2e REG), the “Mountain Regiment” of the Legion, took part in commemorative ceremonies held across the Vaucluse department in southeastern France, including in its prefecture, Avignon. One of the regiment’s companies participated in commemorations in Martinique, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean, where it is currently deployed.
2026 Victory in Europe Day: GRLE in Paris
As usual, the Foreign Legion Recruiting Group (GRLE) commemorated the 2026 Victory in Europe Day in several communities across the Val-de-Marne department and the greater Paris region.
2026 Victory in Europe Day: 2e REP in Corsica
The 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) took part in the commemorative ceremonies held across Upper Corsica, notably in Calvi, the regiment’s garrison town.
2026 Victory in Europe Day: 3e REI in Kourou
The 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) participated in the Victory in Europe Day commemoration in Kourou, the unit’s garrison town in French Guiana, South America.
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Related posts:
Foreign Legion: 2025 Victory in Europe Day
Foreign Legion: 2026 Camerone Day
Foreign Legion: 2025 Armistice Day
Foreign Legion: 2025 Bastille Day