In the United States we celebrate Independence Day. I believe that Mexico and Canada also have Indepence Days. But what happens when your country has no oppressive "regime" from which to declare independence? What do you call that special day which results from revolution? In France, it is "La Fete Nationale."
The "parade" en francais c'est un "defile" (accent marks missing - but think of it originating from the same word as marching single-file rather than "to defile" which means to corrupt, to profane or to make ceremonially unclean.) Then again, it is a military parade, so I will let you decide which definition is most appropriate. However, I suppose that if the US had been invaded repeatedly, we would probably also consider having a military show of strength with troops and tanks passing in front of the White House or Capitol. Message: Dear Canada, Don't even think of invading the US.
Thanks to the high security and massive planning surrounding the parade, all of the metro stations along the parade route were closed. Though this makes no sense to me, I've learned to say "This is France - that's just the way it is." I arrived a bit later than planned and missed President Sarkozy, but I got over it quickly.
The defile starts at the Arch de Trimphe and proceeds down the Champs Elysee. The parade route is packed with so many people, it's difficult to navigate at times.
The best photo I was able to take of the actual parade.
A photo with members of the military is "obligatoire," especially for tourists. 
It would have been nice to see more of the parade, but there were huge crowds of people, including many many many tourists. I heard more people speaking English in one morning than in the past three months. This crowd was not waiting to get into Louis Vuitton - at least I don't think so. [Yeah, you'll have to click on the photo to see the Louis Vuitton store sign.]
The coolest part of the parade - the aerial contingent. Planes flew over the Champs Elysee, coming every 30-60 seconds. C'est impressionant. Definitely my favorite part of the parade because I could look up to see it, along with Louis Vuitton to the left.
If only I were a bit taller, I may have been able to see over some of the crowds. Obviously some people are very resourceful and found good seats. Next time...
Be careful what you bring to the parade, as many items are contraband and will be confiscated. Heaven knows we don't want anyone throwing a bottle of water at a tank. 
Part II - Men in Uniform
Wow - The French really do wear these uniforms. They're not just movie costumes.
Note the street sign in the background.
"Oui Allo? Tu es ou? Je suis sur la Champs Elysee, mais bien sur."
Les pompiers, fire fighters, have a mythical status in France and must be considered to be part of the military. More about Le Bal des Pompiers in another post.
A sailor... someday.
As I mentioned, a photo with the troops is "obligatoire." This is probably as close as I will ever get to joining the military.
Part III
The parade ends with parachutists, looking like French flags of course, descending from above. You really need to click on photo if you want to see this at all.
At the end, after the end.
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