It’s the 20th of May!  That’s like saying it’s the “4th of July” to an American or “le 14 juillet” to a Frenchman.  It’s a National Holiday filled with patriotism, celebration, and a day off from work and school!

There have been preparations all week for this special day.  Downtown on the 20th May Ave. parade rehersals have dominated the main parade route in town – which means many roads blocked and great difficulty getting around by car.  At the military airport near our house the fighter jets have been practising their flight demonstration for several days.  Yesterday there was a spectacle there that Ben was able to attend – he got to see a variety of planes and watch some aircraft manoevers.

Today is the big parade downtown attended by President Biya and his wife, along with government ministers.   If you want to know more click here for an article about the holiday this year.  US Secretary of State Clinton wrote a nice letter of congratulations to the people of Cameroon on behalf of us, the people of the USA.

As I write, the helicopters are passing overhead.  One was of particular interest – I just had to take a picture: