July 14th Parade (Défilé du 14 Juillet): Young Soldier Cuts Off His Ear with His Sword; Army Assures ‘He’s Fine.’ During the parade in Paris on Monday, July 14, this young EMIA aspirant damaged his ear with his ceremonial weapon.

It’s a simple occurrence with significant implications. During the military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 14, spectators could see on their screens the ear of a soldier covered in blood, which was not impeding his march, apparently hurt by the ceremonial weapon he was holding.

When contacted by Le Parisien on Monday, the Army informed him that this young aspirant from the EMIA (the joint military school) “is doing well” but did not reveal much more.

Viewers watching the military forces parade on Monday morning spotted the event as they marched along the Champs-Élysées towards the Place de la Concorde, which housed the presidential stand.

According to the broadcast video, despite his wounds, the young soldier finished his procession stoically. “He’s fine,” the government promised.

During the July 14th ceremonial parades, the army marches before dignitaries. Sword movements are intended to fascinate the people. At this point, it appears that the young soldier sustained an injury.

Another incident occurred during the July 14 procession, when a horse collapsed and killed its rider, while another animal roamed the Champs-Élysées. Again, nothing major.