Soldiers from the Hungarian Defense Forces took part in this year’s traditional military parade in Paris on July 14. To mark France’s National Day, the Hungarian contingent, comprising soldiers from the 32nd Guard Regiment, marched down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Among the high-ranking guests of honor at the ceremony was Colonel-General Zsolt Sándor, Chief of the Hungarian General Staff.
July 14 is France’s most important national holiday. It commemorates the start of the French Revolution and the historic storming of the Bastille in 1789. The centerpiece of the nationwide celebrations is the military parade in the heart of the French capital, which attracts high-ranking political and military representatives from around the world every year.
The participation of the Hungarian troops was the result of a personal invitation from the French Chief of the General Staff, Colonel-General Fabien Mandon,
honvedelem.hu reported. In total, soldiers from 35 nations presented themselves to the global public. Their joint appearance symbolized not only the representation of their respective home countries, but also the solidarity in action and close cooperation between France and its allies.
Hungarian soldiers take part in the military parade marking France’s National Day. Photo: Külügyminisztérium
“The participation of Hungarian soldiers in Paris expresses both our commitment to our homeland and the military partnership with our allies. Our soldiers have represented Hungary and the Hungarian Defense Forces with dignity through their disciplined and high-quality performance of their duties,” said Colonel-General Zsolt Sándor.
Hungarian soldiers take part in the military parade marking France’s National Day. Photo: Külügyminisztérium
Hungarian soldiers take part in the military parade marking France’s National Day. Photo: Külügyminisztérium
Around 5,000 soldiers took part in the major event, with some 2,000 of them participating in the actual parade. Such a multinational event requires pinpoint precision in the run-up to the event. Every movement, the exact formations and the detailed choreography of the ceremony had to be rehearsed in advance.
For the Hungarian delegation, the Paris mission began as early as 6 July, when 21 soldiers from the 32nd Guard Regiment arrived in the French capital.
After training began the following day, rehearsals took place with the contingents from the other partner countries.
Military parade marking France’s National Day. Photo: Külügyminisztérium
On the day of the parade itself, 20 Hungarian soldiers were on duty. The formation was led by a four-member delegation carrying the Hungarian national flag, closely followed by the guard of honor. With their disciplined, synchronized and professional demeanor, the Hungarian soldiers represented their country and the Hungarian Defense Forces with flying colors on one of Europe’s most significant military stages.
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Via honvedelem.hu, Featured image: Külügyminisztérium
