Published in the July 7, 2013 issue of Marianas Variety
IT’S here again, that one day in a year where all roads lead
to the festivities grounds as the CNMI celebrates another Liberation Day.
Follow the beating of the drums and it will lead you to the Civic Center grounds
in Susupe today.
Join the thrill (and agony) of trying to find a parking lot
and find your space along the road sides as the Liberation Day parade passes
by.
Each year for the past decades, the much-anticipated July 4 parade
has always been the highlight of the celebration, a crowd-drawer for thousands
of locals and visitors to the islands. Government groups and agencies, private
organizations showcase their talents and skills in a once-a-year show where you
get a taste of everything with an island twist in one setting.
This morning, make your way to the Civic Center in Susupe
early as to grab a prime spot to watch over 30 groups and floats join the
Liberation Day parade at 10 a.m. from Gualo Rai and all the way to Susupe. Be
there and watch the Liberation Day queen with her royal court and their
escorts.
Bring your cameras and video cameras to capture and preserve
the colorful moments and action as the CNMI pays tribute for the 68th year to
those who have risked their lives to protect the country’s freedom.
2013 Liberation Committee chairman Vicente Camacho said
during the opening of the 2013 Liberation Day festivities on Saturday evening
that ‘freedom does not come free’ and today’s celebration is to instill this
sentiment to the community for those who died for the country’s freedom.
For those of you who didn’t install tents, you can bring
beach chairs and umbrellas to watch the parade from any vantage point in the
roadsides, or follow the parade as they make their way to the festival grounds
for a final showdown in front of the stage set for dignitaries.
Follow the flow and make today a must-not-miss event.
Explore the Liberation day festival grounds and get your fill of local food and
drinks, or buy trinkets to bring home from the vendor’s stalls that have
participated in the event.
See you at the Liberation Day festival parade and grounds
today!
