"Acting from afar", the theme of the Bazeilles ceremonies in Fréjus
Web Signature Only Published on 08/26/2025 at 6:00 p.m., updated on 08/26/2025 at 6:00 p.m.
With the theme "Acting from afar", this commemoration of the battles of Bazeilles invites the public to meet the soldiers, with free concerts by a very fine orchestra. Lively tunes, punctuated by the forty professionals on saxophones, French horns, trumpets, cornets, tubas, clarinets, oboes, cymbals, drums, bass drum... Young and old alike will also be able to discover the most sophisticated machines such as the Griffon armored vehicles during the exhibition of equipment from the 21st RIMa, based in Fréjus.
This gathering, under the direction of General Paul Gèze, commander of the military school of overseas and foreign specialization (Emsome) and father of the Weapon, pays tribute to the heroism and self-sacrifice of the marsouins and bigors of the blue division against the Bavarians during the battle of Sedan in 1870. The reunion of the Marine Troops is thus placed under the sign of solemnity, brotherhood of arms and cohesion.
The TDM are a component of the French Army dedicated to overseas and foreign service. With more than 19,000 marsouins and bigors, they now represent 15% of the French Army and have 39 units stationed on four continents. Historically specialists in amphibious operations, volunteers, and experts for service outside mainland France, the TDMs provide France's strategic capability around the globe. Permanent operational readiness is one of the cardinal virtues of the TDMs. The exercise of French sovereignty and the defense of France's interests, nationals, and influence constitute the main missions of the TDMs overseas and abroad. It is also a key mechanism for operational preparation in conditions close to those encountered in various theaters of operation.
The Bazeilles ceremonies are also an opportunity for officers to visit the crypt of the Musée des Troupes de Marine to honor the 400,000 soldiers of the TDM and colonial forces who "died for France" over the past four centuries. An urn contains the remains of the Bazeilles soldiers. The rich collections of the TDM Museum are free to view.
This Friday, at the town hall square, at 5 p.m.: Serenade by the "Musique des Troupes de marine".
Saturday, at 11 a.m., town hall square , serenade by the "Musique des Troupes de marine".
Sunday, at the Arena:
- At 10 a.m., mass at the cathedral.
- At 4 p.m., demonstration of military equipment, near the public entrance.
- At 6:00 p.m.: Concert by the "Main Band of the Marine Troops".
- At 8:30 p.m .: Arms parade.
Monday, at 10 a.m., inauguration of the memorial garden at the "Museum of the Marine Troops".
Var-Matin
