Country marks the day with patriotic fervour

QATAR yesterday displayed its military might and cultural heritage as the country celebrated its National Day marked by an outpouring of patriotism and joy by citizens and residents.Thousands of people turned out on the Corniche in the morning for the National Day celebrations, the biggest and the most impressive seen in Qatar yet.

Among them were HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani who received the salute of the armed forces marching in a parade. Other ministers and dignitaries also watched the parade from a special podium.

As the columns of soldiers marched down the festooned thoroughfare and military vehicles moved slowly behind, small children, in their brocaded finery, waved Qatar’s flags enthusiastically.The bright and pleasant sunshine only added to the festive spirit.As the various branches of the security forces strutted their stuff on the black tarmac, a flotilla of battle ships along with traditional boats sailed in the turquoise waters of Doha Bay.Fighter jets and armoured helicopters conducted a fly past and some of them weaved designs with maroon-coloured smoke.The march past ended at 10.30am and HH the Emir left immediately after the National Anthem. The cavalcade moved at a snail’s pace with HH the Emir waving constantly to an excited crowd.Many of the spectators said it was the best parade seen in the country, both in terms of size and organisation. The evening saw fabulous water and light shows, and ended with a spectacular display of fireworks, undoubtedly the biggest and the most dazzling yet seen in the country.The National Day is dedicated to the memory of the founder-ruler, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani al-Thani, the tribal ruler who stood up against the big powers towards the end of the 19th century and achieved statehood for Qatar.He led Qatari tribes and fought a decisive battle against Ottoman troops at Wajbah on March 25, 1893. That was a turning point in the history of the region. The day is also in remembrance of the nation’s forefathers and the sacrifices they made.On December 18, 1878, Sheikh Jassim took over the reins of leadership following the death of his father, Sheikh Mohamed bin Thani.The Qatar National Day Organising Committee has worked for the last five months to stage events that are rooted in history and directly connected with the identity and special culture of the country.