France holds Bastille Day parade as wildfires force cancellation of celebrations

France held its Bastille Day military parade in Paris on July 14, even as wildfires burned across the country. Nearly 6,700 troops, 98 aircraft, and 315 vehicles took part in the event. President Emmanuel Macron watched over the parade, which he said would be his last as president. The parade was meant to show France's growing military strength and its support for European unity, following a meeting of western allies backing Ukraine. Temperatures reached the high 30s Celsius across much of France. Fires were burning in several areas, including a forest south of Paris. Because of the high risk of fire, many local authorities cancelled their usual firework displays and public celebrations across the country.