On Wednesday, thousands of students gathered at the André Kamperveen Stadium to rehearse a large-scale formation of the Surinamese flag in celebration of Independence Day. While the practice session showed promising results, organizers emphasized that there is still room for improvement. Major Eleen Simson and her team were kept busy attending to students who struggled with the sunny weather. After brief breaks, many returned to the field with smiles, ready to continue. Coordinator Melvin Groenfelt expressed confidence in the students’ enthusiasm and preparation, stating, ‘There are still a few details to iron out, but they already know what to do. The final result will be unveiled on Sunday.’ The grand performance is scheduled to take place on November 16 at Independence Square. Officer Faried Ilahibaks reflected on past celebrations, noting that the first such event occurred in 1975, coinciding with Suriname’s independence. Smaller exercises were held in 1985, while larger-scale performances took place in 2005 and 2010. Major Simson reported that over 20 students required medical attention during the rehearsal, primarily due to dizziness and nausea, often caused by insufficient food or water intake. She offered practical advice to participants and their parents: ‘Eat and drink well, but avoid heavy meals right before the event. Ensure adequate rest and go to bed early. Avoid staying up late or spending too much time on your phone on Saturday night.’