France, Nov. 11 -- French President Emmanuel Macron, marking the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice, paid tribute to men from Moselle and Alsace who were forcibly conscripted into the German army during the Second World War.

As part of the annual ceremony marking the end of the First World War, Macron and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu unveiled a plaque in memory of the men, often referred to asmalgre-nous ("despite ourselves"), at the Hotel des Invalides.

Men from Alsace and Moselle were conscripted into the German army in 1942, following the introduction of compulsory military service for residents of those territories, which were annexed by Germany in 1940.

Although many tried to escape, most were compelled to serve, and between 20...