President De Gaulle proclaims the opening of the Olympic games of Grenoble

After the arrival of General de Gaulle, President of the French Republic, and the playing of the "Marseillaise", 1,500 athletes gathered behind their national flags, marched into the arena to the music of the grand triumphal march which like all the rest of the musical accompaniment was recorded.

Then the President of the Organizing Committee, Albert Michallon, declared:

Grenoble and Dauphiné have great pleasure in welcoming you today to celebrate the official opening of the Xth Winter Olympic Games

and to share the results of the work and enthusiasm of all those who have taken part in the preparations for this event.

The Olympic flame, pledge of peace and friendship, the most ancient symbol of honour and courage, will arrive in the arena in a few moments, and will make Grenoble one of the high places of sport and culture where the sporting youth of the whole world will be assembled until February 18th.

May these sporting exploits we are about to witness, and which, with technical progress, will be shared by millions, enhance still further the prestige and glory of this flame, and preserve the noble ideal of Baron Pierre de Coubertin for the future. I am very honoured to have by my side, President Avery Brundage, the head of the world Olympic movement since 1952, who assumes the heavy responsibility of maintaining and enforcing the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter.

Mr. President of the International Olympic Committee, I shall now ask you, in accordance with Item 57 of the Rules, to invite the President of the French Republic to proclaim the Opening of the Xth Winter Olympic Games.

In his inspiring speech, Mr. Avery BRUNDAGE, President of the International Olympic Committee paid tribute to the merits of the athletes.

"The Olympic flame has arrived in France", he said, "may its light cut through the clouds of discord, and the misunderstanding of the true Olympic philosophy of that distinguished and universally respected Frenchman, Baron de COUBERTIN, and light the way to a less materialistic but happier and more peaceful world".

In exalting the value of the Olympic idea, source of peace, the President of the International Olympic Committee invited the President of the French Republic to pronounce the ritual formula proclaiming the opening of the Games. The Chief of State in a clear and assured voice, proclaimed:

"I declare open the Xth Winter Olympic Games of Grenoble".

After this solemn proclamation by General de Gaulle and the presentation of a commemorative flag by the Mayor of Innsbruck to the President of the International Olympic Committee, Alain CALMAT carried the torch to the font and Leo LACROIX pronounced the Olympic oath.

"In the name of all competitors I promise that we present ourselves to the Olympic Games as sincere competitors respectful to the regulations which rule the Olympic games with the desire to participate in a chivalrous spirit to the glory of sport and the honour of our teams".

And while the Olympic flame bearers left for the sites of the events, five planes of the Patrol of France traced the Olympic rings in the sky as the grand finale.

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