(2010) MiNr. 4947 ** BL. 131 - France - Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970)

70th Anniversary L'Appel du 18 Juin 1940, Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970)

On June 18, 1940, General Charles de Gaulle, then a little-known brigadier general, delivered a pivotal speech that became one of the symbols of the French Resistance during World War II. After the fall of France and the signing of the armistice with Nazi Germany, de Gaulle made a radio broadcast from London calling for a continued struggle against the occupiers. This speech, known as L'Appel du 18 Juin (The Appeal of 18 June), was not immediately heard by the general public, but its text quickly spread and became the basis for the French resistance movement.

In his speech, de Gaulle refused to surrender and called on all French people to join the struggle to liberate the country. He stressed the importance of the Allies and the possibility of restoring France's military strength with the help of British and other Allied forces. This moment became a symbol of steadfastness and determination and laid the foundation for the creation of Free France (La France libre), which de Gaulle led.

In 2010, the 70th anniversary of the event, various commemorative items and postage stamps were issued to mark the importance of the speech to French and world history. These items bear the symbolism associated with de Gaulle and his legacy - in particular the Cross of Lorraine (Croix de Lorraine), which became the emblem of Free France.

The significance of the 18 June speech is now commemorated not only in France but also internationally, as a symbol of the struggle for freedom and resistance to oppression.