On May 8, 2026, French Foreign Legion units commemorated the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, marking the definitive overall surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces in 1945. As every year, legionnaires took part in ceremonies held both in France and overseas to honor the veterans and fallen soldiers of the conflict.
1er REC: 2026 Saint George’s Day
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.
2e REI, 1er REC: Exercise Cold Response 26
In March 2026, Exercise Cold Response 26 is underway across northern Norway and northern Finland. French forces are among the allied troops taking part in the Arctic training event, including infantry and cavalry units of the French Foreign Legion.
100 years ago: A heroic battle in Lebanon
100 years ago, in the Middle East in late November 1925, the French Foreign Legion cavalrymen held a fortress in a Lebanese village, then besieged by thousands of Druze fighters. For the Legion cavalrymen, the battle became their own “Camerone”, a last-stand defense carried through to the very end.
Foreign Legion: 2025 Armistice Day
On November 11, 2025, detachments of the French Foreign Legion participated in ceremonies marking Armistice Day, honoring the memory of military veterans and those who died in the line of duty.
1er REC: 4th Squadron left Mayotte
At the end of October 2025, the 4th Squadron of the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC) departed Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. The unit had been deployed there since July of this year, serving as the 1st Company of the 5th Foreign Regiment (5e RE).
85 years ago: Foreign Legion reconnaissance regiment was deactivated
85 years ago, in late September 1940, a Foreign Legion reconnaissance regiment was deactivated in Tunisia after taking part in the 1940 Battle of France. Little known today, it was the only Legion unit in that campaign composed entirely of active-duty legionnaires.
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100 years ago: An important battle in Syria
100 years ago, on September 17, 1925, the Foreign Legion held a Syrian village against thousands of Druze fighters during the Great Syrian Revolt. Their costly but decisive stand became the first major French victory of the conflict and one of the defining moments in the Legion’s history in the French Levant (Syria, Lebanon).
Foreign Legion: 2025 Change of Command took place in six regiments
During the summer of 2025, several regiments within the French Foreign Legion underwent significant leadership changes, reflecting the regular rotation of senior officers across this elite force. These appointments are part of the French Army’s standard two-year command rotation cycle and affect both mainland and overseas units.
Read moreForeign Legion: 2025 Change of Command took place in six regiments
1er REC: 4th Squadron in Mayotte in 2025
In late July 2025, the 4th Squadron of the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC) became the new 1st Company of the 5th Foreign Regiment (5e RE) in Mayotte, Indian Ocean.
Foreign Legion: 2025 Bastille Day
On July 14, 2025, units of the French Foreign Legion took part in regional ceremonies across France to mark the country’s national holiday, Bastille Day. Each regiment participated in local commemorative events held in the vicinity of their respective garrisons, in coordination with civil and military authorities. In some cases, Legion elements were also present at celebrations held outside their usual locations.