Belgian National Day

 

Belgium's National Day is celebrated on July 21.  Its a holiday that commemorates the signing of the Belgian constitution and the beginning of the Belgian constitutional monarchy.  It's a day of national pride much like our July 4th.  Mr. Pin Junkie and I had no idea about any of this and just got really lucky.  We popped out of a metro station and there was the royal procession . . .

and King Philippe of Belgium!

We went over to the park right next to the royal palace where there were many groups that were performing re-enactments and demonstrations like these soldiers representing the Napoleonic wars.

This group representing soldiers from World War I were great at posing for the cameras!

Then it was time for the parade.  The king made an appearance again to review the troops.

All the troops passed by in their parade best and really looked great!

There was a lot of military equipment on display too.  These tanks were a crowd favorite and were really loud!

We didn't stay for the fireworks show because by the end of the parade, we were tired of the crowds and needed something to eat.  We did get a quick look at the royal palace though.