This year, the Bastille Day celebrations of July 14th took place with a particularly grandiose flourish. Our population had the great pleasure of seeing the officers and sailors of the English Squadron, located in Villefranche-sur-Mer, participating in our festivities.
Before the review, it was necessary to honor the memory of our glorious dead. To this end, a palm was officially laid at the Raùba-Capeù cenotaph. Then, at 9:00 a.m., the parade took place on Boulevard Victor-Hugo, in the presence of a large crowd. Decorations were presented, and after General Breton reviewed the troops massed along the boulevard, we were treated to the magnificent spectacle, a vision that will remain in our memories, of seeing the valiant and heroic sailors of the English Squadron marching alongside our "Blue Devils." Frantic applause greeted their passage.
The authorities then went to the Queen Victoria monument, where two palms were laid, one offered by the City Hall, the other by the Prefecture. Admiral Waistell was very touched by this thoughtful gesture.
After a visit to the ozonization plants, the official procession was hosted by General Breton, President, at the R.O.F.
Lunches were then held, one at the Café de Paris for the English sailors who had participated in the review, the other at the Negresco for the civil and military authorities and officers of the English Squadron.
In the various speeches delivered during these various events, the speakers focused on celebrating the union of the two great nations, whose sons fought side by side.
In the afternoon, celebrations were organized in all neighborhoods of our magnificently decorated city. Many English sailors took part. Theatrical performances also took place.
In short, there were wonderful celebrations. And when evening came on this day that had passed too quickly, the balls ceased for a moment. Our population flocked to the Promenade des Anglais, where they witnessed the magical spectacle of a magnificent fireworks display. Then, the sky cleared of the earthly lights, it regained all its serenity. The dance lovers returned to the ball, while the others lingered for a long time on this incomparable Promenade des Anglais, which, better than ever, justified its beautiful name.
The charming establishments that lined the shore were crowded. We even noticed illuminated boats sailing along the banks. The songs of lovers reached the promenade.
The date of July 14th will not be forgotten. We experienced unforgettable moments, which brought to life in our memories those of 1912, when major Franco-English demonstrations took place in our city on the occasion of the inauguration of the Queen Victoria monument.

G. VAN CLEEFF.