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    Paris Welcomes Olympic Flame for Bastille Day Military Parade

    nephilaBy World News 5 Mins Read

    Paris is set to host an extraordinary guest for France’s national holiday this Sunday—the Olympic flame, which will illuminate the city’s grandiose military parade for Bastille Day.

    With just 12 days before the French capital hosts the ambitious and high-security Summer Games, the torch relay will join thousands of soldiers, sailors, rescuers, and medics marching beneath roaring fighter jets to mark Bastille Day.

    While people across France celebrate with concerts, parties, and fireworks, here’s a look at the significance of the holiday and what makes this year special:

    What Does Bastille Day Celebrate?

    On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille fortress and prison in Paris, signaling the start of the French Revolution and the end of the monarchy. Bastille Day is a cornerstone of the French calendar, symbolizing the national motto of “liberty, equality, and fraternity,” although not everyone in France feels the country fully embodies these ideals.

    The highlight of the holiday is the Paris parade. This year, the parade pays tribute to those who freed France from Nazi occupation 80 years ago. It will feature a re-enactment of the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944, and display emblems of the 31 countries whose troops contributed to the liberation, with about half being African nations that were under French colonial rule during World War II.

    Who Takes Part?

    Around 4,000 participants and 162 horses will march in the tightly choreographed show, including units that served in NATO missions in Eastern Europe, against Islamic extremists in the Sahel, and in the protection of French territories in the South Pacific and global shipping corridors. They will be joined by three German officers from a cross-border brigade.

    The parade will feature ornamental uniforms rich in symbolism, notably those of the French Foreign Legion sappers, who wear long beards, leather aprons, and carry axes from their original role as route-clearers for advancing armies.

    Overhead, 65 aircraft will fly in formations, including a British Typhoon fighter alongside French Mirages and Rafales, rescue helicopters, and aircraft used in missions from Afghanistan to Mali or international drug busts.

    President Emmanuel Macron and dozens of dignitaries will preside over the event.

    This year’s numbers are scaled back compared to previous years due to Olympics security measures, with around 130,000 police deployed around France for the holiday weekend.

    What’s the Political Context?

    This year’s Bastille Day provides Macron a brief respite from the political turmoil he triggered with snap elections that weakened his pro-business centrist party and presidency. The result has left a deadlocked parliament with no clear leadership. The prime minister could leave office within days, while the left-wing alliance that won the most seats is struggling to agree on a proposed replacement.

    Meanwhile, Russia’s war in Ukraine poses a threat to Europe’s security. At a meeting with military leaders on Saturday, Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Ukraine and called for increased defense spending next year due to “approaching threats.”

    What’s Different This Year?

    The Olympic torch relay’s arrival in Paris coincides with the parade, adding a unique element to the celebrations. The parade will conclude with the arrival of the flame, escorted by horseback riders, 25 torchbearers, and cadets forming the shapes of the Olympic rings.

    Typically, the parade travels from the Napoleon-era Arc de Triomphe to the Concorde plaza, where France’s last king and queen were beheaded. However, this year, Concorde has been transformed into a large Olympic venue for breakdancing, skateboarding, and BMX, redirecting the parade route to the Bois de Boulogne park on the city’s edge.

    Additionally, Olympic venue construction around the Eiffel Tower means spectators can’t gather beneath the monument to watch the annual fireworks show.

    Following its Bastille Day appearance, the torch relay will visit Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Sorbonne University, and the Louvre Museum before heading to other Paris landmarks on Monday.

    Major Points:

    • Paris celebrates Bastille Day with the Olympic flame joining the military parade.
    • The parade honors those who freed France from Nazi occupation and features international participation.
    • Political context includes Macron’s challenges with a deadlocked parliament and support for Ukraine.
    • The parade route and fireworks show are altered due to Olympic preparations.
    • The torch relay will visit key Paris landmarks following the parade.

    TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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