The 75th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) Independence Day 2023 was observed at the Nay Pyi Taw grand military review square yesterday morning, with an address by State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing who took the salute of parade columns.
Also present at the ceremony were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Thiri Pyanchi Maha Thray Sithu Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, the SAC secretary, the joint secretary, council members, Vice-President (Retd) Thray Sithu Dr Sai Mauk Kham and wife, Vice-President (Retd) Thray Sithu U Nyan Tun and wife, families of the heads of state who had served State duties in successive eras, officials, NCA signatory ethnic armed organizations, NCA non-signatory EAOs, ethnic people and guests.
The State flag bearer and parade battalions led by Parade Commander Lt-Gen Aung Aung took positions at the square.
All parade troops saluted the Senior General who arrived at the dais of the square. At the same time, the artillery troop launched the 21-shot gun salute, and 750 white doves were released to mark the 75th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) Independence Day 2023.
The Senior General together with the parade troops and attendees saluted the State flag and then fallen martyrs and comrades.
After taking a two-minute silence, they all recited the oaths of the 75th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) Independence Day 2023.
The Senior General inspected the parade battalions, decorated floats and mechanized companies of Tatmadaw and the Ministry of Home Affairs in a motorcade.
The Senior General delivered an address on the 75th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) of Independence Day 2023. (The full text of the speech is reported on pages 4 to 6)
Then, aircraft from the Tatmadaw (Air) in a 75 type formation flew over the square to salute the Senior General.
The State flag bearers, Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) flag bearers, parade companies from nine battalions representing the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), military, police and student bands, ministries, Myanmar War Veterans Organization, and the State central military band led by the parade commander saluted the Senior General.
Meanwhile, varieties of military aircraft in different formations saluted the Senior General.
Basic education students from Nay Pyi Taw Council Area demonstrated letters and images on “75th Anniversary of Diamond Jubilee Independence Day” (4.1.2023), Union flag, Unity is strength, eight national races, safeguard Independence, a white dove with an olive branch, Keep Moving Forward to Achieve Our Goal, and let’s meet again.”
A total of 75 female and male parachutes demonstrated free-fall parachuting from 7,500 feet high, bearing different flags on the ground. The Senior General took the salute of decorated floats, royal families and military troops in the royal regalia ceremonial procession.
Troops from Tatmadaw, SWAT and Myanmar Police Force together with decorated floats of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) together with BIA company, BDA company, BNA company, PBF company, BA company, Beret company, Gurkha company, .303 company and 52 Sten company, SWAT and security battalion showed off skill demonstration while marching past the Senior General.
Decorated floats and entertainment troupes from relevant regions and states, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and ministries presented songs, dance, landmarks of regions and states, lifestyle, customs and products as well as work processes.
The mechanized columns comprising artillery, armoured vehicles, missiles, air defence, military engineering, Tatmadaw (Navy) and Ministry of Home Affairs led by Column Commander Brig-Gen Zaw Min Thein marched past the Senior General.
Meanwhile, the aircraft of Tatmadaw (Air) in different formations saluted the Senior General. Two Su-30 fighters demonstrated High-Performance Manoeuvre, and daytime colour smoke fireworks were launched.
The Senior General and his wife together with guests cordially waved at the decorated floats, skill-demonstrated troupes and dance troupes.
After the ceremony, the Senior General and his wife cordially greeted attendees and left the grand military review square. — MNA/TTA
