France - Germany Joins Bastille Day Celebrations

(14 Jul 1994) German soldiers rolled down Paris’ Champs Elysees avenue for the first time since World War Two on Thursday (14/7), as part of France’s annual Bastille Day celebration. The troops drove down the broad flag-lined avenue in Marder and Fuchs armoured fighting vehicles marked with Germany’s distinctive black and white military cross and the blue crest, sword and gold stars of the European Army Corps, Europe’s nascent force due to become operational in October 1995. Only about 200 Germans, most from the 294th Panzergrenadier Battalion, were among more than 7,000 participants in the annual military parade. But their presence fuelled an emotional debate that overshadowed other aspects of the national holiday. SHOWS: PARIS, FRANCE 14/7l’ ws l’arch de triumph marching band on horseback several french people looking out window with french flags french officers holding flags and guns aboard apcs mitterrand riding through parade on open command car. ws german soldiers and vehicles preparing to take part in parade german maltese crosses on apcs moving near arch german soldiers on apc sot in english middle-aged french woman: “i am a certain age that i have seen the other germans walking down the chanmps leysee. and i remember hitler said i want europe from atlantic to ural. and we don’t have it with hitler but we have it with the deutsch mark. helmut kohl seated watching parade ws german jeeps on move soldiers on top unfurl german flags vision ends Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: