Fort Algoma - 11JUNE2085
The cheers from citizens of Mackinacora couldn't be louder this afternoon after a parade was held to honor Mackinacora's independence from Veridia. The parade consisted of ten T-72 tanks, four 2S19 Msta self-propelled howitzer, thirty T-15 Armata IFVs, sixteen VK 7829 Bumerang APCs, three 9K35 Strela-10 SAM vehicles, and one infantry battalion consisting of well over 750 soldiers.
In the harbor several Kidd-class destroyers, as well as two Iowa-class battleships were seen celebrating while in port for repairs due to damages that occured during recent conflicts against the enemy nation of Tartaruss. A special fly-over was performed that ran the entire length of the parade, the formation consisted of three AH-64 Apache Helicopters, four F/A-18 Hornet Jets, and one F-35B Lightning which was piloted by General Kennedy and co-piloted by Captain Michael Alvarez.
The parade itself lasted only a couple of hours, after the streets were cleared of military vehicles and personnel the people of Mackinacora took to the streets to celebrate. Mackinacoraian people have always been ones to celebrate the occasion for days on end, the longest parade was during the nations 10th independence day and lasted 5 hours for the parade alone. After the parade had ended the people celebrated for a week straight, some reports state people in the rural and suburban regions of Mackinacora were still celebrating two weeks later.
After the parade was finished, the people of Mackinacora were invited to a speech given by the Head of the Army, General Jensen. During his speech he re-iterated his love for Mackinacora and her people, while also honoring and remembering the harsh battles the Mackinacoraian people faced during their fight for freedom from Veridia. In an unexpected motion, the General awarded the "Ironclad Medal" to the son of a recently returned Mackinacoraian POW who died in custody of Veridia only months before the war for Independence was over. Isaac Stone was less than XXX--FINISH TOMORROW--XXX
As of 12JUNE2085 there have been minimal reports of any crimes taken place during the festivities, and only one major fire which broke out from a stray firework. The incident did not result in any injuries and damage was only limited to the homeowner's garage and a portion of their home.
Emily Hernandez
Mackinacora News Network (MNN)
