France holds traditional National Day festivities amid high security

PARIS -- French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off festivities on Saturday to mark France's National Day with traditional military parade.

Accompanied by soldiers on horseback, Macron marched down the Champs Elysees avenue in an open-roof car and saluted crowds waving tricolor flags.

Alongside French officials and representatives from Japan and Singapore, this year's guest honors, Macron presided the parade in which about 4,000 men and women from France's army, navy and air force took part.