1er REC: 2026 Saint George’s Day | French Foreign Legion Information

On April 23, 2026, the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC) of the French Foreign Legion commemorated Saint George, the patron saint of cavalrymen, at Camp Carpiagne near Marseille in southern France.

The celebration was presided over by General Youchtchenko, commander of the Foreign Legion. During the main ceremony, several legionnaires were decorated for their service. A change of command also took place within the regiment’s Reserve Squadron (a unit composed of reservists), with a captain taking over command after having begun his career in the Legion in the 1990s as an ordinary legionnaire.

The Foreign Legion Band from nearby Aubagne provided musical support throughout the ceremony.

In the days leading up to the event, the regiment organized a series of sports challenges between its squadrons, fostering cohesion and competition among the troops.

The Saint George’s Day celebration is traditionally held on April 23 and takes place one week before Camerone Day (April 30), the most important annual commemoration of the Foreign Legion.

Video from the celebration: Célébration de la St-Georges au Royal étranger

2026 Saint George’s Challenges:

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