Rasing the flag
KRALENDIJK--Sunday, as every year on September 6, Bonaire marked its Day of the National Anthem and Flag, also known as “Dia di Boneiru” (Bonaire Day). This year, the island also celebrated the 40th anniversary of its own coat of arms, with “Protekshon” (Protection) as theme.
Dressed in national colours
The latter resonated in various ways throughout the celebration. Pastor Ramiro Richards asked God for protection for the island against drugs, violence, and crime, but also to protect the earth, climate and language. “Protection also means taking care of one another, supporting your family, and showing appreciation for our elders,” he said.
Island Governor John Soliano compared his own position to that of Bonaire’s coat of arms: both revolve around representing and protecting the island, and maintaining safety and order.
Soliano shared a personal memory that got him thinking. He was recently on the San Blas Islands near Panama, where he visited an indigenous community. There, he read a sentence that stuck with him: “La identidad de un pueblo es el lenguaje de su alma,” or: the identity of a people is the language of its heart.
Soliano realised: We can keep talking about our identity and say that we are proud, but what do our own actions say about who we really are, deep in our hearts?
In the context of the rapidly growing community, Soliano called upon the audience to reflect on what they were proud of as a Bonairean. “Bonaire is changing, the island is growing. We have opened our doors to the world, and the world is getting closer and closer. But what do we really want to protect amidst all the change? What do we not want to lose?”
According to Soliano, the arrival of other cultures need not be a threat. “If you have a strong identity, you can welcome other cultures without forgetting who you are. Show the world how beautiful Bonaire is, without losing your own culture,” he added.
Naturally, there was also the parade of uniformed personnel, the raising of the flag to the sounds of the national anthem “Tera di Solo” as well as plenty of dance and music.
In the evening, the celebration continued on Wilhelmina Square, which was filled with food stalls while the main stage featured various performances by Palu Grandi, Semii Marten and Batanga, among others. The day concluded with a fireworks display.
