National day celebrates, the national referendum on May 20, 1972 which abolished the federal system and created the United republic of Cameroon with March past parades being an integral part of the yearly event.
It is common place to say, the annual national day celebration in Cameroon every May 20 since 1972, has become that particular moment in the life of the nation to showcase it’s solidarity prowess between the civilian population and the military just like in every nation in the world. Though it is an event that hold at different administrative headquarters in the country, the peculiarity about the event at the 20th May Boulevard in Yaounde has been termed the most fascinating perhaps because it’s been chaired by President Paul Biya.
With limited schools given the opportunity to march past the main grand stand, the event is usually practically dominated by political parties and the military Corp who in all solidarity do display the true values of what a national day is. Be it the police, custom, Gendarmerie, army or air force they all have got a special touch in keeping on lookers sparebond, either through their magnificent marching steps or their defense aptitude in protecting the national integrity.
A stride which at some point in time, has got many of the younger generation ponder if it’s truly a national day or a military day. It is therefore imperative for us all as compatriots of this great nation call Cameroon to understand that, the defense forces over the years have continued and shall continue playing very important role to protect our nation from intruders of peace and stability. It explains why many have died in the battle front while defending the nation.
However, this year’s theme on « Defense and service forces at the service of the people in preserving social peace and national cohesion guarantee for an emerging Cameroon « speaks volume on what special place in the heart of the nation the defense holds in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North,efforts to preserve security in the restive English speaking regions, the inter community crisis in the Logone and Chari as well as the Ntem valley divisions and the situations at Cameroons borders are all few but meaningful examples on why the national day is accorded much respect to the military.
Though for the past 2 years, celebrations have been void of the usual March past parade due to the covid-19 pandemic, the minister delegate at the presidency incharge of defense Joseph Beti Assomo has insisted that, the context of this 50th edition is being celebrated under a particular context on the high instructions of His excellency president Paul Biya. To this very end,it is therefore another opportunity given to both civilian and the defense forces to communion together again as a show of the strong political will of her leaders to jealously protect that which ,they inherited from their predecessors.
