National

Hundreds Celebrate Independence 50 At Clifford Park

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas turns 50 today and many patriotic Bahamians took to Clifford Park last night to be part of the historic moment, ringing in this half-century of independence.

Published

3 years ago

July 10, 2023

Marlena Leonard

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas turns 50 today and many patriotic Bahamians took to Clifford Park last night to be part of the historic moment, ringing in this half-century of independence.

Clifford Park was packed with patriotic Bahamians, as we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of our independence from the United Kingdom.

Early on, there was a special message from King Charles III, where he reminisced about his time on Clifford Park 50 years ago, and his hopes for the future of the brilliant minds of The Bahamas.

Crowds enjoyed the military tattoo, which included a flyover by The Royal Bahamas Defense Force air wing, an ecumenical service, and a cultural celebration that included 50 facts and accomplishments we have achieved as a country in the past half century, as well as educational spotlights on our islands in between musical selections.

We spoke to some of the spectators about their favorite parts of the event, and what makes them proud to be bahamian.

Sasha Higgs tells us her favorite part was the jaw-dropping drone show.

As midnight struck, one of the men raising the the flag was sergeant Mark Taylor, the grandson of Sergeant Irvin Taylor, who helped raise our flag for the first time in 1973.

Followed by cannon salutes and a show-stopping fireworks display to round off the night.

Orelia Joseph’s favorite part of the celebration was the military tattoo, and says she’s proud of our freedoms.