The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II was solemnly observed today in Puducherry with a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial on Beach Road. Puducherry District Collector Kulothungan and Deputy Consul General representing the French Consulates in Puducherry and Chennai, Jean-Philippe Huther, laid floral wreaths on behalf of the Puducherry Government and France. The ceremony honoured the memory of soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War. A minute of silence was also observed as a mark of respect for the fallen heroes.