A historic photograph and a modern one together capture the enduring presence of Greece in Paris. On 14 July 1919 — just months after the end of World War I — a black-and-white image shows a contingent of the Hellenic Army marching beneath the Arc de Triomphe as part of the Allied victory parade.
Century-Long Continuity
More than a century later, on 14 July 2026, Greece once again stood at the heart of France’s Bastille Day celebrations. A Greek military detachment took part in the grand parade across the Champs-Élysées, joining units from 35 countries. Greek Air Force Rafale fighter jets soared overhead in aerial formations above Paris — a powerful visual highlight of the event.
A Symbolic Display
This year’s parade carried strong symbolic weight. With Ukrainian troops and forces from dozens of allied nations participating, France aimed to underscore Europe’s strategic awakening and the strengthening of European defence amid growing geopolitical challenges.
The Hellenic Armed Forces added a distinct imprint — reaffirming Greece’s long-standing strategic partnership and deepening defence cooperation with France. The flyover by Greek Rafales was among the most emblematic moments of the ceremony.
These two images — separated by 107 years — reflect Greece’s enduring role in two pivotal moments for both France and Europe.