The ship fired a blank shot in the air, signaling the start of the parade. Thousands of people who had gathered near the port were left stunned by Lambung Mangkurats action.
The Commander of Manado VIII Naval Base, First Admiral Simorangkir, delivered the speech of the Navy Chief of Staff Ade Supandi, in which he said the annual commemoration of the National Fleet Day held a deep meaning for the maritime sector.
"We have a significant purpose behind the Fleet Day, which is to evaluate and introspect about the entire Indonesian naval fleet since we enjoy the trust of the country and will always work as per the national mandate," Simorangkir said.
The ceremony was attended by several soldiers of the Navy, Army, and Air Force Corps, as well as police officers and civilians.
The North Sulawesi Governor, Soni Sumarsono, also attended the ceremony along with the Regional Police Chief, Brigadier General Wilmar Marpaung.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
