The greatest military parade in France takes place each year in Paris (since 1880, almost without exception) on the morning of 14 July, the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day. Is the oldest regular military parade in the world, and passes down the Champs-Elysées from l’Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, where stand the President, his government and foreign ambassadors. Is opens with cadets from the military schools, followed by army Infantry, troupes de Marine, Air, Gendarmerie (including the Republican Guard), and then motorised and armoured troops. The parade traditionally ends with the Paris Fire Brigade, and a parachute display. At the same time occurs a flypast of the French Air Force and Naval Aviation.
The Republican Guard (in the postcard) is the heir of the various bodies whose task was to honor and protect the high authorities of the State and City of Paris. Its name derives from the Municipal Guard of Paris, established in 1802 by Napoleon. Commanded by a general of division, it consists of two infantry regiments and a horse cavalry regiment, in total 3200 men and women, housed in the Caserne des Célestins, built in 1895-1901 by Jacques Hermant. Detachments of the cavalry regiment reinforce the two infantry regiments in carrying out ceremonial and security roles in and around state buildings. It also includes the Fanfare of Cavalry and the brass band of Cavalry (in the postcard).
About the stamp, the blue Marianne et l'Europe, I wrote here.
References
Bastille Day military parade - Wikipedia
Garde républicaine - Official website
sender: Dănuţ Ivănescu
sent from Paris (Île-de-France / France), on 18.02.2013
photo: Rosine Mazin
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