Thousands gathered at the Queen's Park Savannah to look on as the 52nd anniversary Independence parade proceeded from the Savannah to St James.Taking to the Port-of-Spain streets, citizens outfitted in red, white and black watched the military receive the traditional inspection by President Anthony Carmona under the early-morning son.
Arriving to cheers and applause shortly before 8 am, Carmona was escorted by Major General Kenrick Maharaj, Chief of Defence Staff, as he inspected members of the T&T Defence Force, standing alert in crisp white uniforms.
For the first time, a woman, Lieutenant Commander Kele-ann Bourne, led the soldiers, who were accompanied by music from the Police, Regiment, Fire and Prisons bands.At around 9 am, the protective services marched from the Savannah along Frederick Street, then onto Park Street before proceeding along Tragarete Road en route to the Police Training College compound in St James.