The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will today join its Anzac counterparts the New Zealand Defence Force in Paris to march with the French Armed Forces and other military contingents in the French National Day Parade, proudly leading in the ‘Position of Honour’.
The French National Day commemorates both the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, and the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790.
The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, noted what a great privilege it was for the ADF to participate in the event saying it further strengthened the close and longstanding defence relationship between Australia and France.
“The ADF is proud and honoured to have been invited to march in the Position of Honour in the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe on the Champs-Élysées in Paris,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.
“Not only is this event a patriotic display for the French Military and their equipment, it recognises current French operations and their servicemen and women’s sacrifice and service to their country in campaigns over time.
“For so many of those campaigns Australian servicemen and women were there, serving alongside their French counterparts during the First World War and even today on operations in the Middle East.”
Vice Admiral Griggs said the ADF contribution to the French National Day Parade was particularly timely as many Australians had travelled to France to commemorate the 100th Anniversaries of the Battles of Fromelles and Pozieres later in the month.
“In a little over 24 hours from the commencement of the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July, the Australians suffered 5,500 casualties. It was indeed the most costly day in Australia’s military history,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.
“The Centenary of Anzac is a very special time for all Australians and will be one of the most significant commemorations to take place in our lifetime. For our ADF personnel to be involved in this historic day in France, it is a further opportunity to remember and reflect upon the service and sacrifice of our past and current servicemen and women.”
The Australian contingent for the French National Day Parade consists of 140 personnel: 30 from Navy, 80 from Army and 30 from Air Force.
French National Day is celebrated in many other countries across the world, such as Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the United States of America where over 50 cities participate in celebrations.
Media Note:
The French National Day Parade begins at 10am Thursday, 14 July 2016 Paris time, 6pm AEST. The event is expected to conclude by 1pm Paris time, 9pm AEST. Imagery of the event will be made available athttp://images.defence.gov.au/S20161591
