Paris, France – A viral video has stunned the world, showing a man casually lighting his cigarette from the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located beneath the Arc de Triomphe. This memorial, burning since 1923, honors French soldiers who died in World War I and has become a symbol of national unity and sacrifice.
Image Source :France'24
The footage, filmed by a bystander, shows the man bending toward the sacred flame and using it to light his cigarette, before walking away casually. Social media exploded within hours, with thousands condemning the act as deeply disrespectful.
French authorities have launched an investigation to identify the man, with officials hinting at possible legal consequences, including charges of public desecration and even expulsion from France if he is a foreign national.
The incident has reignited discussions about the need for stricter security around national monuments, and the balance between public access and preservation of historical dignity.
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