Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 07, 2023 (SKNIS): The 40th Independence Ceremonial Parade will feature several new elements, such as a drone light show, parade of assets and various drill displays that will capture the spectacle of the occasion and pay tribute to the nation’s four decades of achievements.
Plans for the grand parade were revealed by St. Clair Williams, Warrant Officer I of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force on Wednesday (September 06, 2023) during the radio and television programme InFocus. WOI Williams noted that the most obvious change will be the day and time of the parade. The traditional 8 a.m. start time for the September 19 parade will be replaced with an 11:30 p.m. event on Monday, September 18, 2023. The ceremony will run into Tuesday, September 19.
After the traditional inspection of the guard, march pass of troops and three cheers for the nation, the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Community Drum Corps as well as 25 members of the Taiwan Honour Guard from the Republic of China (Taiwan), will each conduct a display of drills. Vehicular Assets owned by the state including emergency vehicles and crew, will parade for the visiting dignitaries. A drone light show will climax the Independence Ceremonial Parade. A drone light show is performed by illuminated, synchronized, and choreographed groups of drones that arrange themselves into various ariel formations.
“It is something that we are very excited about,” said Viera Galloway, Co-Chair of the Independence 40 Committee. “It’s a new addition, and we hope to see scores of people on the evening of the Independence Parade so that we can ensure that everyone witnesses what should be a spectacular display of lights, talent and creativity.”
Dr. Marcus Natta, Co-Chair of the Independence 40 Committee, encouraged everyone to come to Warner Park for the special night parade, which begins at 11:30 p.m.
“What we really wanted to do was reminisce about what happened in 1983 [on] September 19th when the Union Jack was lowered and our flag was raised at midnight,” he stated. “We wanted to relive that in a certain way and bring back that night parade and that feeling for those of us who weren’t born yet to experience that.”
The calendar of activities is available on the Facebook Pages of the Independence 40 Committee and the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service.
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