On May 8, 2026, the city of Épinal in northeastern France held a ceremony to honor the Moroccan Goumiers, auxiliary soldiers who fought for the Free French Forces during World War II. The event took place at the city's war memorial, marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
According to local reports, the tribute included the laying of wreaths and speeches by officials, including the mayor of Épinal and representatives of the Moroccan community. The Goumiers, recruited mainly from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, played a key role in the liberation of France, particularly during the campaigns in Corsica, Italy, and the French Riviera in 1944.
Historians note that around 12,000 Moroccan Goumiers served in the French army, with many killed or wounded. Their contributions were long overlooked, but recent years have seen increased recognition, including a memorial in the French town of Signes.
The Épinal ceremony was part of broader commemorations across France, emphasizing the multicultural nature of the forces that liberated the country from Nazi occupation.
