Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday took part in celebrations of the country's independence on Sept. 7, 1822, presiding over a military and civic parade flanked by military commanders.
Lula arrived at the Esplanade of Ministries in the capital Brasilia standing in an open convertible and wearing the presidential sash across his chest, accompanied by First Lady Rosangela da Silva.
The couple greeted the public as they made their way towards the grandstand, which had seating for about 200 officials. No speeches were made.
The parade presented four themes: peace and sovereignty, science and technology, health and vaccination, and the defense of the Amazon.
The first Independence Day commemoration of the Lula administration taking power on Jan. 1 was designed to highlight national unity, democracy, and the institutional relationship between civil power and the Armed Forces.
In a speech broadcast on national radio and television on Wednesday night, Lula said that Sept. 7 would be a day "not of hate nor of fear, but of unity."
The president also stressed that the celebration of independence should serve to remember that there is "only one" Brazil.
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