Fernandez heads parade to mark major battle for Independence

AZUA, Dominican Republic.- President Leonel Fernandez on Monday headed the military parade to mark the Battle of March 19, 1844, in this city, the first major defeat of the Haitian occupation force in the heels of the country’s Independence on February 27 that year.

Senior military officers, government, local and as well as provincial officials and lawmakers accompanied the chief executive during parade, carried out with Army, Air Force and Navy units.

As they passed in front of the official stand the various branches exhibited their skills in weapons handling, military maneuvers and overflights by planes and helicopters.