As Belize prepares to mark its 45th year of nationhood, the Belize City Council has officially opened the month-long September national celebrations with the traditional flag-raising ceremony held at the flag monument roundabout in the country’s former capital, Belize City.
This year’s launch has infused the historic coastal city with a renewed wave of national pride, with dozens of national flags hoisted across the roundabout and main thoroughfares that will remain on display through the end of September. These flags are not merely decorative; organizers emphasize they stand as a permanent, public symbol of shared patriotism, cultural celebration and collective civic pride for all Belizeans.
Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller of Belize City delivered the keynote address at the ceremony, where he reflected on the meaning of national pride beyond public displays of patriotism. Miller noted that September holds a unique, special place in the hearts of all Belizeans, a time when citizens across the country unfurl national flags, wear clothing emblazoned with Belize’s national colors, and gather to celebrate the country’s rich, diverse cultural heritage.
However, Miller argued that genuine civic pride extends far beyond these visible acts of celebration. “Our love for Belize is most meaningful when we translate it into how we live, how we work and how we treat one another,” he told attendees. This year’s official celebration theme, “Look at Me I am Belize @ 45”, frames a quiet challenge to every Belizean to engage in honest self-reflection: as the nation enters its 45th year, the country itself is a reflection of the character, actions and collective contributions of its people.
Miller stressed that meaningful contribution to Belize does not require holding public office, leading a major national organization, or carrying out extraordinary, headline-grabbing acts. Instead, the true measure of a person’s love for their country is shown in ordinary, daily life: through consistent honesty, personal discipline, small acts of kindness, and a commitment to doing what is right even when no one is watching.
This news piece is a transcript of a televised evening newscast, with all Kriol language quotes transcribed using a standardized spelling system for accessibility. The full video broadcast of the opening ceremony is available to view on the original outlet’s digital platform.