Patricia Mirallès is Member of Parliament for Hérault and Vice-President of the Defense Commission of the National Assembly.
On July 25, two legionnaires from the 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion (DBLE) were stabbed with knives while rescuing two Montpellier assaulted in the street. This act of bravery is exceptional, and the word is not overused.
However, it appears that heroic behavior is common among those who make up this unique entity of the French army, when we look at its history.
From Camerone to Kowelzi, the legionaries carried high across the world and the times these three colors in which they were not however born.
Read also: 40 years later, could we remake Kolwezi?
These men in white kepi and green berets enjoy a unique status in the French army. Their contract as a "soldier serving in a foreign capacity ", for an initial period of 5 years, renewable, offers them the possibility of applying for nationality after 3 years of minimum service.
French is the only language accepted within the Legion.This contract is a reciprocal commitment between the French army and its legionnaire. France thus offers abroad a welcoming land, a rigorous framework, and an entourage, almost a family. In return, if he passes the entry tests, the legionary offers himself entirely to the institution and to his host country.
This specificity carries within it a republican message of touching intensity: that of the love shown by these foreigners for our homeland which welcomes them, and for which they are ready to take all the risks. This attachment is also manifested through learning French, the only language accepted within the Legion. For these soldiers from all over the world, the exemplary teaching of this common language provided by their cadres is the guarantee of their unity.
During my visit to their bases with my colleagues from the Defense Committee, I was able to admire the excellence of their training.Subjected to the most demanding training, legionaries are indeed very exposed. During my visit to their bases with my colleagues from the National Defense and Armed Forces Committee of the National Assembly, I was able to admire the excellence of their training. This completes an extremely selective recruitment, during which these future legionaries must already prove themselves, as at every moment of their future careers. Their high combat value means that they are regularly engaged in the front line. They are now involved in each of the operations carried out by the French army abroad and on its own territory.
The presence of these soldiers from five continents to wear our colors should make us proud to be part of this Nation which still attracts so much.In my opinion, the very existence of this Legion testifies to two very important elements that I observed during my visit at the end of July. The commitment of these foreign soldiers for our country shows how France and its values shine and seduce around the world. The presence of these soldiers from five continents to wear our colors should make us proud to be part of this Nation which still attracts so much. The Foreign Legion is also proof of the openness of our country. By reaching out to these men without land or family, France shows what it has most beautiful in it, and the dedication of these soldiers for our flag is a fair return for what we offer them.
This unique institution conveys principles that we have been able to cultivate in France for centuries, which are our strength today, and which we must perpetuate for the future. Let’s be proud of it!
