France showcases military might and national pride on Bastille Day

On July 14, 2025, France marked its national holiday, Bastille Day, with grand festivities throughout the country, notably in the capital, Paris. The celebrations featured 7,000 participants, who marched along the iconic Champs-Élysées, demonstrating France's military strength and cultural pride. The Paris parade included a flyover by warplanes, adding to the spectacle. In addition, foreign troops from nations such as Indonesia participated, reflecting the international nature of the event. President Emmanuel Macron reviewed the troops and lit the eternal flame beneath the Arc de Triomphe as part of the day's ceremonies. The significance of Bastille Day stems from the historical events of July 14, 1789. On this date, Parisians stormed the Bastille fortress, marking the beginning of the French Revolution and leading to the overthrow of the monarchy. Since then, the day has evolved into a celebration of democratic values, human rights, and French national pride. Every year, the event is marked by official ceremonies, military parades, and local festivities across France, making it the country's most significant public holiday. This year, the inclusion of Indonesian troops, accompanied by 200 drummers, is of particular note. Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto attended the celebrations, highlighting the importance of international relations. The event is not only a display of national pride but also serves as a platform for diplomatic engagement, signaling military and economic partnerships. Indonesia is expected to confirm large-scale purchases of French military equipment, including Rafale fighter jets, during this visit, underlining the significance of defense cooperation between the two nations. In the context of current global threats, President Macron emphasized the need for increased military funding, announcing an allocation of 6.5 billion euros for the next two years. He highlighted the urgency to protect Europe amidst rising tensions related to various international conflicts and highlighted efforts to support Ukraine. As the nation celebrates its revolutionary roots and the ideals of freedom, Bastille Day remains vital in assessing both France's historical journey and its present-day challenges and commitments to defense and security.