Services Parade

We watched the parade near Foch in Lyon yesterday evening. The parade is part of la Fête Nationale celebrations.

I am not a big fan of military parades or standing idly waiting for people to march slowly past me. It does not stir my heart nor motivate me to endeavour to greater things. However, it is fun to watch the crowd’s reactions, mingle among the people lining the street, and join in the general spirit of wondering what is happening next and how long the next delay will be for.

This event was not held for my benefit or the benefit of the general public. The parade began with presentations of medals and awards. It was for the military and civilian services, and focused on a temporary grandstand located in the square near the Foch metro station.

One notable inclusion, that I had not expected, was to see some of the Foreign Legion; their white hats marked them out.

I took photos and have put together a film. The film is long and watching it in its entirety will hopefully make you appreciate what it was like to be there.

A High Definition edition of the Lyon la Fête Nationale parade is available on YouTube.