The remains of an unknown soldier from the First World War have been buried under the main arch of the Arc de Triomphe since 28 January 1921. To prevent the grave from being forgotten, the poet Gabriel Boissy, a journalist with “L’Intransigeant”, suggested that a flame of remembrance be installed on the tomb. Supported by public opinion, the project progressed rapidly. The flame was lit for the first time on 11 November 1923. Since then, it burns day and night without ever going out. The Flame Committee (representing 760 veterans’ associations) rekindles the flame every evening at 6.30 pm.