The evening of September 1st, the French Marines celebrated the anniversary of what became the emblem of their strength, dedication and commitment to fight: the historic Battle of Bazeilles.

Participating in the ceremony was Brig. Gen Lafontaine, MNB-NE Commander, Brig. Gen de la Touche, Col Renaud, Col L'Hostis and representatives from all contributing nations to MNB NE . The ceremony started with a movie, reminding or introducing the audience to the historic and global history of the French Marines. After this commemoration, the celebration continued in a very festive way, with a show organized by 30 battalion members of the French Polynesia. These Marines danced impressive war dances in which French soldiers were "welcomed" when they shored the Polynesian islands in the 19th century. One of them, the Haka, has become world famous, since the New Zealand Rugby Team "All Blacks" dances it at the start of all international matches. Formerly known as "Compagnies Ordinaires de la Mer", the "Troupes de Marine" were founded by Cardinal de Richelieu in 1626 to serve on ships and in overseas territories. From 1831 to 1870, they led the colonial saga (taking the name “Colonial Infantry” from 1901 to 1958), Conquest of Oceania (1843-1846), New Caledonia (1856-1867), Crimea campaign (1853-1854), Pacification of Americas (1840-1861), of the Far East (1856-1868). From 1940 to 1945, Syria, Cameroon and Chad.

Operations in Syria, Kub-Kub, El Alamein, Tripoli and Takrouna had many decisive victories and prestigious campaigns. They landed in Italy in August 1944, in the South of France, they seized Hyères and Toulon, went North and then fought in Belfort and Colmar. Since then, the Marines have operated throughout the world, in Chad, the Central African Republic, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Somalia and Albania.

But the symbol of their courage is the battle of Bazeilles, that took place in 1870. This was a disastrous war between France and Prussia, which forced Napoleon III to surrender. In the north of France, in Bazeilles (near Sedan), Captain Bourgey was ordered to turn a large tavern into a base that had to withstand Bavarian attacks. In the morning of September 1st, he assembled some officers and NCOs and Marsouins (from the Danish 'marswins' meaning 'sea-swines' or 'porpoise') -- a force of about 60 men from different units of the marine-infantry. The Marsouins collected all remaining bullets and gave them to their best shooters.

The Bavarians surrounded the house and pointed their canons at it. As a result, parts of the roof were blown away and a fire started. The Marines then assembled their 30 last bullets. After a terrible fight, Captain Aubert, the best shooter in the unit, had the honor to fire the last bullet at the enemy: "la dernière cartouche". Today, this house has become a museum, and is very well known as la "Maison de la derniere cartouche" the "Last Bullet House".