France holds traditional National Day festivities amid high security

In addition, 220 armored vehicles, 241 horses and 92 jets and helicopters participated in the parade.

Nine jets from the aerobatics team of the Patrouille de France performed an aerobatic display, trailing smoke in the colors of the French flag -- blue, white and red.

Under the motto of "Brotherhood of Arms in Uniform, Commitment of a Lifetime", this year's National Day paid tribute to forces that participated in rescue operations in French overseas territories devastated by hurricanes Irma and Maria last September.