The Dominican Republic commemorated its 182nd National Independence anniversary with an impressive display of military precision and national pride during Thursday’s traditional parade along George Washington Avenue. President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña presided over the ceremony that showcased the nation’s defense capabilities under the Caribbean sun.
Approximately 16,000 personnel from police and military divisions alongside 42 aircraft demonstrated operational readiness across land, air, and sea domains. Specialized units including the Amphibious Special Forces (Sharks, Cimarrones, Macheteros), Presidential Reaction Forces, Hunters, and Paleros marched in coordinated precision, their unified cry of “we are all one” echoing throughout the ceremony.
The parade featured battalions from the Army, Navy, and Air Force alongside National Police units exhibiting modernized equipment designed to protect national sovereignty. Specialized security bodies demonstrated their capabilities including Land Border Security (Cesfront), Metro and Cable Car Security (Cesmet), Fuel Control and Merchandise Trade (Ceccom), and Airport Security and Civil Aviation (Cesac).
Notable displays included the Furia armored vehicles manufactured by the Dominican Military Industry, while cadets from the “Battle of Las Carreras” Military Academy executed a precise Weapons Manual in Silence before the presidential podium. The international dimension of the event featured military delegations from El Salvador and France, highlighting global fraternity among armed forces.
The presidential delegation included First Lady Raquel Arbaje, multiple government ministers, and National Police Director General Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz, underscoring the whole-of-government approach to national security celebrations.