SARKO KICKS OFF NEW WAY TO CELEBRATE LE 14 JUILLET
July 14th has taken on a new meaning under the new President. No longer the celebration of the bloody murder of the monarchy and the Reign of Terror that followed, killing tens of thousands of innocents of all ages, from children to the elderly.
It is now a day of National Pride, a sharing of a national heritage and identity, as well as a show of military might.
from our friends at Gallia Watch:
....According to Le Figaro:
detachments from France's 26 European partners opened the military parade. At the head was the starry flag of the European Union borne by a Portuguese officer, his country being the current president of the EU. Behind him, forming a large V were the 27 European flag-bearers, followed by ranks of soldiers, more than 800 in all. (snip)
At the rehearsal on Wednesday, Minister of Defense Hervé Morin declared that it was a "major symbolic act", desired by France, to relaunch the construction of Europe and of Defense. In addition, the French president, whose "pro-Atlantic" position has been denounced by some, displayed his European determination. Another important sign: Quai d'Orsay announced yesterday that the EU flag would henceforth fly permanently on its roof next to the French tricolor. Other ministries could follow the example. Note: Quai d'Orsay is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The article goes on to describe the rest of the parade that featured the new Rafale jets and the Caracal helicopter used by NATO forces in Afghanistan.
This July 14 unfolds in a climate of uncertainty for the armed forces. (...) Defense Minister Hervé Morin is to present his current figures next week to the Prime Minister. He has already indicated that (...) he may be 6 billion euros short if all the projects that are on the books are to be carried out. (...)
Another article from Yahoo reminds us that President Sarkozy also kept his word about the garden-party that takes place at Elysée Palace:
This year, priority was given to deserving French people who had "at some moment in their lives suffered an ordeal" or who stood out because of their efforts, their work or their courage. Two thousand persons were invited. (snip)
In another unprecedented act, the head of State, who had promised "surprises" got out of his car at the Rond-Point of the Champs-Elysées to greet the onlookers gathered behind the security barricades and to kiss the children.
"The weather is beautiful, the armed forces are magnificent, and our European partners are there," he said to a journalist.
The Emir of Qatar, whose son marched in the parade as a student at the military academy of Saint-Cyr, was also present. Nicolas Sarkozy's wife and children were also in attendance.
