Leyte (CVA 32) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE has been called one of the finest monuments in Paris, if not the world. This is perhaps due not so much to its design and fine proportions as to its setting. It was com- missioned in 1806 by Napoleon to com- memorate the victories of his armies. Be- cause of its position, it serves not only as a memorial, but also as a gateway to Paris. Since Napoleon's defeat left many of his monuments half-built, Louis Phillipe undertook to have them completed, and it was he who negotiated for the return of the F.mperor's ashes to France. In 1840, the coffin containing Napoleon's remains was carried through the finished Arc de Triomphe with great pomp and ceremony on its way to its final destina- tion, the tomb in the Eglise des Invalides. In 1885, the funeral procession of Victor Hugo also passed through the Arch, followed by possibly the biggest procession of mourners the world has ever seen. For over seven hours, some 750,000 people of all ages filed down the Champs-Elysees to pay tribute to this giant of French literature. Under the Arc is the tomb of France's Unknown Soldier, and the Flame of Remembrance which is relit every eve- ning. It is the simplest and most touch- ing of memorials, especially at night when the dark shadows beneath the Arch bring out the glow of the flame which flickers from side to side in thewind. The Tomb ot France's Unknown Replica of famous Statue of Liberty Frances The Opera House in the bustl Soldier beneath Arc de Triomphe. gift to United States on road to Versailles mg crowded Place de lOpe1'l

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Viewing the magnificent marble statue of the VICTORY OF Perhaps the most famous painting of allg MONA LISA by SAMOTHRACE, set superbly in an archway at the top of the I Leonardo da Vinci. A young French painter is inspired to make stairway. 1 V a copy. The Arc De Triomphe Du Carrousel, constructed, by Napoleon to com- A View of the Beautiful Tuileries gardens, laid out in the time of memorate his victories, and also as a gateway to the Tuileries. Louis XIV by Le Notre. In the background the Arc du Carrousel. 135 ,

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THE BEAUTIFUL DOME of the In- valides, pictured here,- can be seen from many parts of Paris. It is the chapel of the Hotel des Invalides which was built in 1671 to house old veterans. At one time it accommodated over 6,000 men, but a great part of the building has been converted into a war museum, and the church is the setting for Napo1eon's tomb. The dome was built by Jules Hardouin Mansart, who was responsible for so much of Versailles. Not only is it struc- turally a great achievement, but it is also a singularly graceful and charming piece of building. The church itself was planned by Bruant, ands its dignified classical architecture is a fitting setting for an imperial tomb. Directly beneath the dome, in a circular well, is placed the marble sarcophagus under which lies the body of Napoleon. Above, on the main Hoor in various recesses, are the tombs of joseph Bonaparte, Napo1eon's son, as well as those of Duroc and Ber- trand, his two closest friends. On the East side, there is the tomb of Marshal Foch, victor of the First World War. 'It is an impressive monument which represents him in bronze being carried to his last resting place by some of his soldiers. Also within are the tombs of Vauban, the greatest military engineer of the seventeenth century, and of Turenne, Louis XIV's most brilliant general. ' The Madeleinjblegun in the reign of The WVor1d-Famous Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889, it The Palais de Lumcembourg, built for L ' , d b N l . commands a superb view from its 1,000 foot height. Marie de' Medici in Italian style ,A ouis XV, complete y apo eon