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The U.S. led the way down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees for the Military
Parade on Bastille Day as the country of honor in commemoration of the
centennial of U.S. entry into World War I (WWI) here July 14, 2017.
This marked the first time ever the U.S. was selected as the country of honor –
a tradition that highlights a symbolic gesture of friendship from the French
government.
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July 14, 2017 -Almost 200 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen
assigned to units in Europe and the 1st Infantry Division, Fort
Riley, Kansas, march down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees from the Arc
de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde during the Military Parade
on Bastille Day. An historic first, the U.S. led the parade as the
country of honor this year in commemoration of the centennial of
U.S. entry into World War and the long-standing partnership between
France and the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Michael McNabb)
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“It’s about the partnership – a strong partnership that was forged in war many
years ago and endures today,” said Commander of U.S. European Command and NATO
Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti. “France is one of our
oldest and closest allies, and so the significance of being the county of honor
in their parade today underscores the strength of that partnership – and that we
must work to continue to strengthen that partnership.”
Altogether, almost 200 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen from units in
Europe and the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, marched down the
Avenue des Champs-Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde
in support of the military parade that serves as a tribute to the Storming of
the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
“I’m honored and privileged to be here commemorating such a historic event and
celebrating the alliance between France and the United States,” said Air Force
Senior Airman Jorge Diehl, assigned to the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron,
Ramstein Air Base, Germany. “I think it shows a great deal of appreciation and
trust for them to allow us to lead the parade. It’s taken a long time to build
that trust.”
French President Emmanuel Macron officiated the parade attended by U.S.
President Donald Trump and numerous French and U.S. senior military and civilian
leaders – including Gen. Joseph Dunford, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, and Gen. David Goldfein, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. In all,
this year’s parade included more than 3,700 participants and flyovers by the
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds; two F-22 Raptors; nine French Alpha Jets streaming
blue, white and red contrails; and two French C-135s.
For the commander of U.S. troops, Army Maj. Jared Nichols, assigned to the 1st
Infantry Division, the honor of participating was made even more special by the
fact his great-grandfather served on the Western Front in France during WWI.
"My great-grandfather on my mother’s side was a private first class in the
American expeditionary force; his name was Rupert Foust,” said Nichols. “He
served as a medic in the 8th evacuation hospital, primarily dealing with
clearing casualties off the battlefield and providing first aid. To be here to
commemorate our entrance in a war to support [France] and the rest of the Allies
and then also celebrate the French nation and their independence as well, is a
great experience."
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July 14, 2017 - U.S. and French service members display each
country’s respective flag during the Military Parade on Bastille
Day. An historic first, the U.S. led the parade as the country of
honor this year in commemoration of the centennial of U.S. entry
into World War I and the long-standing partnership between France
and the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Michael McNabb)
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It was an experience that wasn’t lost on Navy Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd
Class John Holley, assigned to Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 37, Naval Air
Station Oceana, Virginia. He believes the friendships forged here will be
life-long.
“We’ve built a lot of camaraderie so far,” said Holley. “We’ve done a lot of
exchanging of patches and telling of stories. We were able to learn why we were
here, the history and the importance of it.”
Historically, the 1st Infantry Division was the U.S. Army’s first division – and
was formed in June 1917 to serve in WWI. In 2017, as in 1917, the U.S. stands
ready with its European Allies and partners to face emerging threats and an
increasingly dynamic regional security environment.
“During the centennial of U.S. entry into WWI, we commemorate America’s sons and
daughters who defended peace – many of them descendants of European immigrants
who came to America seeking freedom, opportunity and a better life,” said
Scaparrotti. “I just want to salute the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and
Coast Guard that keep Europe whole, free and at peace.”
By U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Michael McNabb
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
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