France commemorated Bastille Day on July 14th with its traditional military parade, albeit with some modifications due to the upcoming Paris Olympics and a turbulent political situation. The annual celebration marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution.

President Emmanuel Macron, amidst the ongoing political crisis, opened the military parade by reviewing the troops while the national anthem, the Marseillaise, echoed through the air. However, preparations for the Paris Olympics necessitated a change in the parade's route, with the contingent taking to Avenue Foch instead of the usual Champs Elysees.

The impact of Olympic security measures resulted in a reduction in the number of troops participating in this year's parade. Approximately 4,000 people, with 162 horses, showcased their tightly choreographed formations. Notably, tanks and armored vehicles were absent, but over 60 aircraft, including a British Typhoon fighter, as well as French Mirages and Rafales, flew in formation overhead.

While this year's parade lacked the presence of a foreign guest, like last year's visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it did feature a unique participant - the Olympic flame. Colonel Thibault Vallette, a gold medalist equestrian from the 2016 Rio Olympics and a member of the elite Cadre Noir de Saumur cavalry school, proudly carried the torch. Following its appearance at the Bastille Day parade, the torch relay will visit iconic Paris landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Sorbonne University, and the Louvre Museum.

The festivities come at a crucial time for President Macron, providing him with a momentary respite from the political turmoil he has faced since a snap election. The election weakened his centrist party and left the country with a divided parliament, lacking clear leadership. The leftist alliance currently struggles to agree on a candidate for the position of Prime Minister, with Macron bound by the constitution from calling new elections for the next 12 months.

Bastille Day holds immense significance in the French calendar, symbolizing the values of "liberty, equality, and fraternity." It is a day when the nation reflects on its revolutionary past and reaffirms its commitment to these principles. As France prepares to host the Paris Olympics in 2024, the celebrations take on an added sense of anticipation and excitement.

Despite the challenges posed by politics and security concerns, France remains determined to showcase its unity, spirit, and rich history through the celebration of Bastille Day. The event serves as a reminder of the resilience of the French people and their enduring commitment to the principles upon which their nation was built.