Life rather than courage abandoned these soldiers: the heroes of the Battle of Camerone celebrated at the 2nd REI in Nîmes

The French Foreign Legion celebrated the 163rd anniversary of the battle of Camerone, a symbol of courage and loyalty, on Thursday, April 30, at the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment in Nîmes. The day was dedicated to honoring the sixty men of Captain Danjou, heroes of a lost but legendary battle, as well as sharing through various activities until Saturday.

“This year is a bit special. It’s like a pilgrimage,” said Marie-Anne at the opening of the event. “My father was a legionnaire here in Nîmes, and he recently passed away. I wanted to pay tribute to him.”

They were less than sixty against a whole army here. Many sons and daughters of legionnaires came to witness the ceremony. It was a unique celebration, as it wasn’t a victory that was commemorated but a defeat. “The sixty men of Captain Danjou held out for ten hours against two thousand enemies. Through their sacrifice, they fulfilled the mission entrusted to them: protect the convoy and save the regiment’s honor,” reminded a lieutenant during the reading of the Camerone battle account.

The day also included honoring legionnaires for their service and engaging with civilians to break stereotypes about the legionnaires. “It’s a good thing to be able to interact with them, even though I’ve been around them since I was young,” said Marie-Anne.

The Battle of Camerone in 1863 marked a pivotal moment for the French Foreign Legion. The story of Captain Danjou and his men’s brave resistance against overwhelming odds has become a symbol of valor and courage for the legionnaires.

April 30 is a significant date for the legionnaires, representing a day of remembrance and commemoration for their sacrifices. It is a time to remember the past and share the legionnaires’ world with civilians. Activities like shooting ranges, food stalls, and children’s games were part of the three-day event, emphasizing tribute and tradition.

The event also featured Miss White Kepi Pageant, boxing gala, and raffle draws, providing entertainment and honoring the legion’s history and values. Tapanar, the beloved fourth-generation mule mascot of the 2nd REI, brought joy to both young and old participants during the celebrations.