Bastille Day military parade in Paris (28 images)

A French paratrooper lands in the Place de la Concorde during the annual military parade on Bastille Day in Paris on July 14, 2010. Leaders and soldiers from 13 former French colonies in Africa, celebrating five decades of independence, were invited to take part in this year's parade. UPI/David Silpa

A French soldier rides in a jeep during the annual military parade at the Place de la Concorde during the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on July 14, 2010. Leaders and soldiers from 13 former French colonies in Africa, celebrating five decades of independence, were invited to take part in this year's parade. UPI/David Silpa

French President Nicolas Sarkozy (top-L) arrives at the start of the annual military parade at the Place de la Concorde during the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on July 14, 2010. Leaders and soldiers from 13 former French colonies in Africa, celebrating five decades of independence, were invited to take part in this year's parade. UPI/David Silpa

French soldiers arrive at the start of the annual military parade at the Place de la Concorde during the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on July 14, 2010. Leaders and soldiers from 13 former French colonies in Africa, celebrating five decades of independence, were invited to take part in this year's parade. UPI/David SilpaCameroon First Lady Chantal Biya (L), France First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy (C) and Burkina Faso First Lady Chantal Compaore watch the annual military parade at the Place de la Concorde during the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on July 14, 2010. Leaders and soldiers from 13 former French colonies in Africa, celebrating five decades of independence, were invited to take part in this year's parade. UPI/David Silpa