 | The arch de Triomphe seems to be considered a sacred place within french culture. It stands in a significant location for the french as it is located at the end of one of the most commercially significant streets in Paris the champs Elysee. The arc is said to commemorate the lives of those who were lost in the french revolutionary wars. It is inscribed with the names of major generals as well as battles and below the arch resides an unnamed soldier who died for the land. It seems the arc de triomphe celebrates the victories and the supremacy of the french republic rather than their unity as a country. The July 14th procession demonstrates the military power with which France contests against the world.In contrast to the celebrations of the 4th of July and the Cinco de Mayo celebration from the US and Mexico the celebrations of US and Mexico seem to have a greater emphasis on memorializing the independence of the countries rather than that of the victories in war the country has had. The celebration of nationalism from Mexico utilize symbolism that is significant to their representation of freedom such as the Mexicans ring the bell and the united states does not have a sole ceremony for the display of patriotism but involves many events as well as activities coordinated by the public. The fashion in which France presents their military prowess may be becoming anachronistic due to the diplomacy that is involved in the current time before a country goes to war. The celebration of earth that France conducts does seem to demonstrate a greater sensibility to the current issues that the world should be addressing . The demonstration of the country encouraging the conservation of resources and the respect for nature would be a better fitting celebration than that of the artillery power of the a country. As a current worldwide issue in the planet the celebration of a state as well as of the planet could reach a consensus as to how to approach environmental issues without downgrading the efforts of those who fought for the freedom of the countries. |
