EDITORIAL 7
The Traditions of the French Foreign Legion.
The Fundamental Foundations
By Louis Perez y Cid
The traditions of the French Foreign Legion are an integral part of its heritage and culture. Forged empirically, they guarantee its identity and unity, and remain an essential factor in its integration and cohesion.
Some are very old and originate from customs predating the creation of the Foreign Legion (1831). Others are more recent; their adoption proves the Legion's ability to adapt to the times and demonstrates that these traditions are not static but are meant to evolve.
They nevertheless rest on a few immutable foundations that constitute their basis and contribute to ensuring their continuity.
The Four Fundamental Pillars.
Daily life, training, and operations are guided by four principles:
• The sacred nature of the mission.
• Rigor in execution.
• Solidarity.
• The veneration of remembrance.
A specific motto.
"Legio Patria Noatra"
The Legion respects the nationality of each legionnaire and will never force him to fight against his country of origin; this is stipulated in the enlistment contract.
However, it constitutes a "second homeland," firstly to unite all these men from different countries, secondly to serve as a shared culture, and finally to give them a cause to defend, a reason to fight, even to die.
However, it constitutes a "second homeland," firstly to unite all these men from different countries, secondly to serve as a shared culture, and finally to give them a cause to defend, a reason to fight, even to die.
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A motto inscribed on its emblems.
"Honor and Fidelity"
Unlike the emblems of the French Army formations, which bear the motto "Honor and Fatherland," those of the Legion display "Honor and Fidelity."
This essential characteristic demonstrates that France asks legionnaires to serve her faithfully.
The officers are the guarantors of this "Fidelity" to the French people.
This essential characteristic demonstrates that France asks legionnaires to serve her faithfully.
The officers are the guarantors of this "Fidelity" to the French people.
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A symbol.
The "White Kepi"
A specific and distinctive element of the uniform, it originates from the old sand-colored kepi cover, which, under the effects of the sun and repeated washing, turned white.
June 18, 1926 – First ministerial decision by the Armed Forces recognizing the kepi covered with a white cover as the distinctive mark of enlisted personnel in the French Foreign Legion.
It is therefore worn by enlisted personnel. Officers, non-commissioned officers, and senior corporals (or chief brigadier) wear the black and red "kepi" of the French infantry.
The white kepi is synonymous with legionnaire.
To this specific symbol, one can add the green and red epaulettes, the green tie, and the blue sash.
June 18, 1926 – First ministerial decision by the Armed Forces recognizing the kepi covered with a white cover as the distinctive mark of enlisted personnel in the French Foreign Legion.
It is therefore worn by enlisted personnel. Officers, non-commissioned officers, and senior corporals (or chief brigadier) wear the black and red "kepi" of the French infantry.
The white kepi is synonymous with legionnaire.
To this specific symbol, one can add the green and red epaulettes, the green tie, and the blue sash.
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A founding battle.
“Camerone”
This battle has become the model for the entire French Foreign Legion, embodying all the military virtues it extols: the sacredness of the mission, the value of one's word, and loyalty to the leader, even unto death.
This ceremony, during which the account of the battle is read, is celebrated annually on April 30th by all units of the Legion.
This ceremony, during which the account of the battle is read, is celebrated annually on April 30th by all units of the Legion.
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A traditional celebration.
“Christmas”
Since the First World War, Christmas has gradually become a Legion celebration, for historical and religious reasons, a celebration of children, family, and hope.
This celebration has now transcended its purely cultural aspect and is part of the French Foreign Legion's cultural heritage.
This celebration has now transcended its purely cultural aspect and is part of the French Foreign Legion's cultural heritage.
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A code of honor.
The “Legionnaire's Code of Honor”
A unique document serving as a reference for training and combat. It must guide both the commanders in their command and the legionnaires in their execution.
By analogy, there is also the "Code of the Former Legionnaire."
By analogy, there is also the "Code of the Former Legionnaire."
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A Museum.
In Aubagne and Puyloubier.
The preservation of historical heritage is delegated to the Foreign Legion Command (COMLE) by the Minister of the Armed Forces.
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