On 14 July, the French military contingent of Bydgoszcz celebrated the Bastille Day, France’s premier national holiday. The ceremony, held at the Joint Force Training Centre (JFTC) compound, gathered JFTC members as well as 3rd NATO Signal Battalion French personnel and family members.

Celebrations, led by JFTC Deputy Commander, Brigadier General Jozsef Szpisjak, and French Senior National Representative, Colonel Georges Reichert, started with a flag-raising ceremony and French national anthem performed by the Military Orchestra from Toruń. During the event three soldiers, a French, an American and a Pole, were awarded French medailles de la defense national. The official part was followed by a small reception.

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The 14^th of July has a special meaning for French citizens as on that very day in 1789 “storming of the Bastille” started, which was a turning point of the French Revolution, and the end of monarchy and beginning of the republic.  

Congratulations to all French citizens! Vive la France!