Africa-Press – Seychelles. A large crowd lined up the main streets in Victoria yesterday afternoon to watch the military parade by the local and foreign military forces, and the youths, which was the highlight of celebrations to mark our National Day, which was also our 47th Independence Day anniversary.
It was the second time that our island capital has had the privilege of hosting this prestigious event to commemorate our Independence Day anniversary.
The guest of honour at this special occasion was the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. He was accompanied by his wife, Jeannette Kagame.
Before the parade, President Kagame visited the Botanical Garden where he planted a coco de mer nut as a symbolic gesture to mark the occasion.
Marching from Palm Street towards the La Promenade gymnasium (ex-School Meal Centre) under the command of Major Dave Mathieu, the 23 platoons from the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), the Seychelles Police, the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA), the various youth organisations falling under the umbrella of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), and a platoon from the Indian Navy and another from the French military based in La Reunion, went down Constitution Avenue to the rhythm of the National Band, passing in front of ‘Lavwa Lanasyon’, the Bicentennial Monument to the Liberty Monument where the VIPs were seated.
Upon arriving at the Liberty Monument, still on Constitution Avenue, the parade in quick march saluted President Wavel Ramkalawan in the presence of First Lady Linda Ramkalawan; Vice-President Ahmed Afif; Designated Minister Jean François Ferrari; the Chief of Defence Forces, Brigadier Michael Rosette, the Commissioner of Police, Ted Barbe; and invited guests comprising our special guest of honour, President Kagame and his wife Jeannette Kagame, high officials from the three branches in government, the diplomatic corps, other foreign dignitaries, among others.
Prior to the salute by the parade, President Ramkalawan received the Presidential salute on his arrival by the Guard of Honour under the command of Captain Stephanie Theresine. The Presidential salute was accompanied by the traditional 21 shots of canon originating from State House.
The Presidential Salute was followed by the National anthem and the raising of our national flag.
The parade continued to the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) car park where it ended.
Another highlight of the event was to be a National Flag display formation by three helicopters from Zil Air and a fixed wing formation comprising two Dornier 228 aircraft operated by the Seychelles Air Force and a Pilatus PC-24 aircraft also from Zil Air but the stunt had to be cancelled due to strong winds.
Before the start of the different floats from districts across the country, veteran singer John Wirtz who composed the song entitled ‘Lendepandans’ on the occasion of our Independence day on June 29, 1976 had the honour of performing the song to revive the exciting and joyous moment at that time.
The military parade was followed by a display by youths from various districts and a showcase by representatives from 25 districts across the country of aspects of their rich history and culture in a display of colours and vibrancy.
The ceremony was wrapped up by a moutya dance performance by the youths.
The large crowd then converged to Freedom Square to end the evening in a fun fair.
(See our centrespread pages (pages VI & VII) for more photos highlighting the ceremony).
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