Petro Presides Over Final Independence Day Military Parade in Colombia

Colombia celebrated its Independence Day on July 20 with a military parade in Ciudad Bolívar, a populous area in southern Bogotá. Outgoing President Gustavo Petro, in his final Independence Day address as head of state, presided over the event. He will conclude his term on August 7.

Francia Márquez, the vice president, and Angélica Verbel, the acting Minister of Defense, accompanied Petro on the honor platform. The ceremony began with a moment of silence for fallen military and police personnel, followed by decorations for Armed Forces commanders. The parade commenced with the traditional march of Korean War veterans, a group that diminishes in number each year due to age.

This year's parade commemorated the 216th anniversary of Colombia's Independence, which dates back to July 20, 1810. It involved 124 blocks comprising 6,257 men and women from the Army, Navy, Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC), National Police, and other units. The aerial display featured 19 aircraft, including FAC Kfir fighter jets and helicopters from the Police and Army. Veterans of the Military Forces and Police also marched in tribute to their service.

Thousands of spectators lined the parade route from early morning to witness the display of formal military uniforms, marching bands, and synchronized troop movements. Following the parade, Petro delivered his last presidential speech to the public at the same location. He was scheduled to deliver another address later in the afternoon at the National Capitol to inaugurate the congressional session.