Reflections on the "Parada Militar"

In my previous post I mentioned the upcoming 'parada militar'. Parada as you may guess is the translation for our word parade. But when we think of parades in the USA we think of something like the Macy's Thanksgiving or homecoming parades. The 'parada militar' is the once-a-year formal presentation of the military forces as a part of national pride, but also as the day in which all members of the military formally and officially give their pledge of allegiance to the flag accompanied by the singing of the national anthem.

We didn't go to the parade, although I wanted to. Daniel persuaded me to stay safe and secure watching it live on TV as there had been rumors of unrest regarding the President's rather last minute call that this year's parada be held in Santa Cruz instead of in the capital, La Paz. All military units stationed here in Santa Cruz as well as units from all over the country - calvary, navy, army, colorados (special forces) and others were in formation here with the president leading them in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem. It was impressive.

In the USA the anthem in usually led by a famous singer who may take great liberty with the actual music and most people just listen. This demostration had the many thousands of soldiers standing at attention singing all four verses. How many in the US have ever heard the other verses of our anthem? There are three, I believe (oops, not three people but three stanzas, although maybe close to that many people)

Included with the military in this unusual 'parada' were indigenous groups from all over the country, brought into Santa Cruz to be included. It was an impressive undertaking to try to house and maintain that many people here without an eruption of violence. Many protested the bringing in of so many non military units from outside of the area. Many were worried about the andean militia unit called the 'poncho rojos' - known for their red ponchos and the WWII style guns they use. These groups were trucked in from where they were being housed into the Trompillo Airport where the parada was being held - no it wasn't a march down main street.

In Spanish the verb "parar" means to stand. So "parada," really means "the standing". And yes they stood - for hours this morning awaiting the arrival of the President, through the speeches and other fanfare. The sight was impressive: literally thousands upon thousands standing, then slowly marching with the German type, difficult long step past the flag and the president. And the red, green and yellow furling in the strong cruceno wind like an ocean of ribbon candy. I was truly impressed. Bolivia may be a nation that suffers from disorganization, corruption, lack of political stability, but it sure understands the word 'respect' when it comes to their flag and their nation, even in the midst of national crisis and disaccord.