On July 14, the French nation celebrates the Bastille Day, one of the most popular and favorite national holidays in this country.
Traditionally, the military parade took place in Paris. Leaders of the country participated – President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister Manuel Valls, members of the government and many other officials were present. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry joined the festivities, too.
Troops marched across Champs d’Elysees, among them were members of the Foreign Legion and even Maori warriors, who eventually turned the most attention to the ceremony. Soldiers from Australia and the New Zealand took part in the ceremonies as well, as the French mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
July 14 is considered the beginning of the Great French Revolution. On that day, the Bastille, the fortress and the prison for political prisoners, was captured. These events eventually led to the fall of monarchy in the country, while July 14 is now the day of national unity for the French people.