The national holiday was celebrated on Place Masséna this morning. In the context of the tenth anniversary of the July 14, 2016 attack, the Nice military parade reflects a symbolism of tribute to the victims, but also to all the personnel involved.
The traditional military parade of July 14 in Nice is part of the commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the 2016 attack, on the Promenade des Anglais, which claimed 86 lives and injured more than 400 people.
This tragedy forever marked the people of Nice in their identity. July 14 no longer commemorates only the storming of the Bastille in 1789; it also symbolizes a night marred by barbarism. On Place Masséna, this morning’s ceremony embodied much more than a show of force; it materialized a union and a thought for all the victims.
A duty of remembrance
It was with restrained emotion that the military parade began. Families of victims were present to support each other in the face of this painful memory. The participation of certain political figures came to strengthen the deep meaning of this ceremony. Over a loudspeaker, a voice stated that “this parade will be one of remembrance, because many of these personnel were present ten years ago.”
The commander of the troops opened the march followed by the flag bearers and their guard. This parade was an opportunity to recall the invaluable role of law enforcement, the Fire and Rescue Department of the Alpes-Maritimes and medical teams on the night of July 14, 2016.
For the first time at a ceremony, four emergency medical aid service vehicles and the Samu 06 paraded. “These teams intervene every day throughout the territory to bring emergency medicine as close as possible to patients in everyday situations as well as during the most exceptional crises,” explained the master of ceremonies. The passage of firefighters and medical service vehicles then released emotion in the stands, and a wave of applause rang out.
The vehicles of the departmental fire and rescue service closed the parade with more than twenty-two operational vehicles from the Nice company. The military parade deployment was considerable this year, notably with the presence of military personnel from the Orange air base, members of the Foreign Legion, and riders from the Nice municipal police.
A parade of historical significance
The military parade evokes the fundamental role of personnel who watch over the population. “This parade reminds us of the commitment, dedication, and professionalism of these women and men who watch over us every day.“
The republican parade of July 14 appears as an element of national identity. More than 80% of French people perceive it as an important symbol to celebrate the Nation with pride. “Participating in the July 14 parade is an honor because I feel like I’m part of a corps whose mission is to represent France,” confides a volunteer firefighter. This ceremony is the meeting point for the people of Nice with their armed forces, their protectors, and their rescuers.
In this context, the presentation of military medals as well as the conferment of officer ranks and knighthood of the national order of merit brought symbolic recognition to several members of the armed forces. At the end of the ceremony, the authorities — among them the mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti — greeted the commander of the troops, thanked the flag bearers, and congratulated those decorated.
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