(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Patriotic fervour was at its zenith as the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani walked into the crowds and greeted thousands of citizens and expatriates watching the National Day parade on the Corniche early morning yesterday.
With smiling faces, the Emir and the Father Emir shook hands with many people, including children, and even accepted maroon-and-white shawls and scarves from some.
While leaving the venue in car, both waved at the people who were loudly cheering along the Corniche.
The parade began with the national anthem and a gun salute, followed by recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. The Emir took salute as contingents from security forces marched by.
Young boys from schools dressed as soldiers, accompanied by girls in traditional dresses, added colour to the parade. A traditional Qatari sword dance - Al Arda - by schoolchildren was another attraction of the show. National Service trainees also joined the march, along with hundreds of soldiers from Qatar Armed Forces.
The parade started at 8am and continued until 8.45am. The first 30 minutes saw the march of armed forces and showcase of vehicles. The last 15 minutes were dedicated to an air show and a demonstration by Coast Guards.
Dignitaries, including the Emir's Personal Representative H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani and H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, were also present, along with the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Advisory Council Speaker Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi, ministers, heads of diplomatic missions and senior army officers and officials from the Ministry of Interior.
A pageantry of pure-bred Arabian horses and camels exhibiting Qatar's traditions led the parade.
The Qatari Armed Forces, Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Al Fazaa and the Emiri Guard marched behind, while battle tanks and multi-rocket launchers rolled along the Doha seafront and fighter jets flew overhead.
The parade showcased infantry columns of the army, police and Emiri Guard. The peninsula
They exhibited a wide range of armoured vehicles, both traditional and modern and military equipment. New generation battle tanks, sophisticated radars, airborne early warning systems, armoured personal carriers, missile assemblies and rocket launchers were on display.
An air show of fighter jets and helicopters were also seen along with naval boats. The immaculate demonstration of skills by the para-jumpers and aerial stunts by the paragliders brought excitement to the thousands of people gathered. Fighter jets sprayed Qatar's national colours in formations while choppers flew over the cheering crowd. Equally scintillating was the sight of a number of Air Force helicopters carrying huge Qatari flags, flying over the venue.
The pilots of the Qatar Air Force fighter jets displayed their skills by flying their aircraft in various combinations. Several patrolling vessels of the coast guard impressed the spectators with their deft movements across the length and breadth of the sea along the Corniche. The fast attack black navy boats dashed into the waters in the midst of traditional boats.
Hundreds of Qatari and expatriate families thronged the area since early morning to watch the parade. Many "single" men, however missed the show as they were not allowed in.
Under the theme 'One Love' various expatriate communities took part in day-long celebration at four major locations highlighting the bond they share with citizens of the host country. A spectacular firework off the Corniche lit the Doha sky later the evening.
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