New Delhi: The 67th Republic Day of our nation brought with itself a string of new episodes. Ranging from a march by the French contingent to that of a tableau put forth by the ex-servicemen, this year's celebration was indeed a jaw dropper. Here's a collation of the five firsts that marked the celebrations.
For the first time, France made its own musical offering. Forty-eight members of “The Music of the Infantry,” a ceremonial band based in Lyon, played two military tunes as they advanced along Delhi’s ceremonial boulevard. (Photo: AP)
Participation of French Army soldiers: The French Army soldiers created history by marching down the Rajpath during the Republic Day parade, becoming the first foreign military contingent to take part in the celebrations. Forty-eight members of 'The Music of the Infantry', a ceremonial band based in Lyon in France, played two military tunes at the parade as the spectators cheered them.
Republic day parade (Photo: AP)
A shorter parade: This year the duration of the parade was also curtailed from more than two hours to 90 minutes but the format remained the same.
Tableau by ex-servicemen (Photo: AP)
Tableau from ex-servicemen: The ceremonial parade also saw the first tableau from ex-servicemen where Army veterans showcased their role in nation building.
A march by women contigent: In a first, an-all women contingent of the CRPF marched on the Rajpath, replacing the traditional mail contingent from the force.
Installation of light machine guns: Also, for the first time, light machine guns were installed at 10 strategic points in New Delhi area.
