UNIFORM, BAND AND PACE The Legionnaire is proud of his uniform ; he always wears it with panache : The White Kepi The Legion Grenade
The colors of the Foreign Legion
The blue sash
The Sappers ("pionniers") uniform
THE BAND The Principal Band, with about one hundred musicians, has gained world-wide fame. It differs from other French military bands by :
The pace of the Foreign Legion's march at 88 steps per minute, is almost the same as that of the former king's soldiers. The Foreign Legion has been marching to the time of the "Boudin" since 1870, when it became its official march. The name "Boudin", or sausage, probably derives from the rolled blanket worn across the chest and so nicknamed.
Embassy of France in the United States - February 26, 2001 |