On August 31st 2010 Trinidad and Tobago will be celebrating 48 years of Independence.
Although we are not the oldest independent Caribbean nation (Haiti – 1791), it is important to remember that there are some smaller states that are still dependencies of European powers today such as Saint Martin (France) and Aruba (Netherlands).
Our twin island was formerly a British Crown colony and on that faithful day, August 31st, 1962, the Union Jack (British Flag) was lowered and the National Flag – the Red, White, and Black raised, signaling Trinidad and Tobago’s status as an Independent Nation.
Independence Day is customarily observed with the Independence Day parade at the Queens Park Savannah. The parade showcases all the military personnel (air, land, and sea) and some voluntary organizations (such as the Red Cross) of Trinidad and Tobago. The parade is inspected by the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and in Tobago; it is inspected by the Chief Secretary.
Independence evening is marked by the National Awards Ceremony at the President’s House. These awards recognize nationals for their achievements in various spheres of national service.