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Trump, world leaders, mark 100-year WWI anniversary in Paris as Macron warns about nationalism
French President Emmanuel Macron (R) touches the knee of German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2nd R) as they sit next to US President Donald Trump (2nd L) and US First Lady Melania Trump (L) during a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on November 11, 2018 as part of commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the 11 November 1918 armistice, ending World War I. (FRANCOIS MORI/AFP/Getty Images)

Trump, world leaders, mark 100-year WWI anniversary in Paris as Macron warns about nationalism

President Donald Trump and dozens of world leaders gathered Sunday in Paris to mark the 100 years since the moment World War I ended.

What was the scene?

Rain fell as Trump and more than 66 leaders gathered at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier at the base of the Arc de Triomphe. Bells tolled across Europe's Western Front and fighter jets roared overhead at the exact moment the war that killed millions came to close 100 years ago, according to published reports.

“Trump and first lady Melania Trump traveled separately from most of the other presidents and dignitaries attending the event, who had gathered earlier at the Elysee Palace and traveled to the ceremony by bus. And Trump was not present as the other leaders arrived, walking side-by-side in a somber, rain-soaked line holding black umbrellas as bells finished tolling. They had arrived a few minutes late, missing the exact moment — 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918 — that four years of fighting ended,” the Associated Press reported.

Security protocols caused the delayed arrival, press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told media.

A security breach occurred as the presidential motorcade traveled down the grand Champs-Élysées, which was closed to traffic. At least one topless woman ran into the street and shouted “fake peace maker,” at the cars. The words “Fake” and “Peace” were also written on her chest, according to the report.

Police tackled the woman and the motorcade continued uninterrupted. A feminist activist group, Femen, later claimed responsibility for the stunt.

What was the keynote address?

French President Emmanuel Macron warned about nationalism during his speech at the ceremony.

With Trump and other leaders looking on, Macron said nationalism is dangerous and the "ancient demons" responsible for World War I and millions of deaths are growing stronger.

"Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism: Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism," Macron said. He said that when nations put their interests first they "erase the most precious thing a nation can have...Its moral values."

Trump has reportedly called himself a nationalist.

Macron views himself as Europe’s opponent to the rising sentiment of nationalism, according to the report.

Trump sat several seats away from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who shook hands with Trump as he arrived and gave him a ‘thumbs-up’ sign. Trump was scheduled to meet with Putin during the visit but will instead have a sit-down meeting with him later this month in Buenos Aires during a world leaders’ summit, the report states.

France, the center of the first global conflict, hosted the international commemoration to stress that the world must not fall into another world war, as happened with World War II.

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