March with the uniform parade on September 21st

Earlier in the newscast, you saw the formalities of Independence Day in Belmopan. In the city, the event took a different form and following speeches at Memorial Park, the uniform parade took place on major streets. The citizens also joined in the revelry of the occasion. News Five’s Andrea Polanco looks back at the sights and sounds.

Andrea Polanco, Reporting

On September twenty-first, our Independence Day, the annual Uniform parade through the principal streets of the city got underway just after ten. The Belizean flag was flying high; from the small to huge red, white and blue flags were hoisted up in the air. At the fore of the march were the cadets being led by their marching bands and they were followed by the young marching brightly in their uniforms. The members of the Belize City Council were led by Mayor Darrell Bradley. And as is customary, the marching bands were out in full force, including the Imperial Band and the Samuel Haynes Institute. The National Scouts Association and Girl Guides of Belize, who, over the years have become a permanent fixture in the national events across Belize, also made an impressive showing. A number of local clubs, religious and political groups and associations participated in the event. Principal among the marchers, were primary and high school students dressed smartly in their uniforms and marching proudly. Among those present were Anglican, Pallotti, St. John’s, Sadie Vernon and Ladyville Technical High Schools. The schools were backed up by a number of student bands and clubs who donned flags and colorful outfits. At every corner, Belizeans lined the sidewalks. Some found shade under the trees while others battled the heat with umbrellas, hats and cold drinks. As they covered the routes, the bands celebrated in the festivity; and not to be missed was a Mexican police band in the midst of the parade. A sprinkling of colorful floats, decked out in the red, white and blue colors, blared music through the streets of the old capital. The House of Shotokan also made an appearance with a skills demonstration. Interspersed in the day’s event were huge numbers of citizens dancing and celebrating through the streets. And they brought in the last of the parade’s showing. Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.