Coalition partners gather to celebrate French National Day

Published July 19, 2012
By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Leadership from six allied nations was on hand to pay their respects and show support during the Bastille Day, or French National Day, ceremony held here July 14, 2012.

Commanders from France, Great Britain, the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand were welcomed by Major Erwan Cafferato, French Combined Air Operations Center legand, who presided as the master of ceremony for the event.

Cafferato began by discussing the significance of this date in French history.

"On the 14th of July, 1789, the royal jail "La Bastille" in Paris was captured by the revolutionary movement," he said. "This jail hosted many political prisoners qualified as enemies to the king. The 14th of July 1789 was considered as a symbolic date for the end of the old regime characterized as absolutism, society of orders and privileges period."

After the reflection of history, the French flag was raised and the national anthem was played by the U.S. Air Force Central Expeditionary Band. A brief moment of silence followed in remembrance of all those killed in action.

Colonel Xavier Beguin, French air force commander in Afghanistan, addressed the audience and provided comments about the French air presence in Afghanistan.

"Over the last 10 years of operations, we, French aviators, should be proud," said Beguin. "The action alongside our allies has been remarkable in every way starting with the quality of personnel - for their individual and collective commitment and achievement. Once again, we airmen have honoured our glorious past - the French Wings and our country - by perpetuating a long tradition of excellence in combat."

Beguin introduced the final speaker of the ceremony, Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, U.S. Air Forces Central commander, who spoke briefly on the long-standing alliance France and the United States have had for more than 235 years.

Goldfein said the most memorable being during the American Revolution when the French and American forces fought together during the Siege of Yorktown and then again during World War II when Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy.

Every year in France, Bastille Day is celebrated with military parades, firework displays, concerts and galas.