Not even early morning showers and overcast skies could dampen the spirits of the hundreds of patriotic Barbadians who turned up at the Garrison Savannah this morning to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the island’s Independence.
Perhaps, the persons who stole the show this morning were 87-year-old Mildred Forde, who turned up bedecked from head to toe in the national colours and the Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders who celebrated their 65th anniversary with a brilliant display of precision marching.
Mildred Forde created quite a stir in her Independence oufit. Photo courtesy http://www.barbadostoday.bb/
Forde not only carried an umbrella of the national colours, but her handbag and shoes were also blue, yellow and black.
However, it was during the march past in front of Government Headquarters that the sprightly octogenarian attracted the most attention when she smartly saluted acting Prime Minister Richard Sealy who descended from the dais, hugged her and gave her a kiss to the delight of the large crowd which had gathered there.
The Royal Barbados Police band also received loud applause from the crowd in front of Government Headquarters when it began to play Peter Ram’s, All A We is One as it marched past.
Earlier, Governor General Sir Elliot Belgrave carried out an inspection of the armed and unarmed contingents on parade.
Members of the Barbados Defence Force. Photo courtesy http://www.barbadostoday.bb/
Prayers for the nation were said by The Chairman of the Barbados Christian Council, Rector of the St David’s Anglican Church, Canon Noel Burke, while the National Pledge was said by Master Demar Hunte of the Good Shepherd Primary School and Miss Abrianna Gittens of the Cuthbert Moore Primary School.
There was also the passing of the symbolic 50th Anniversary of Independence Broken Trident. Article courtesy http://www.barbadostoday.bb/
