THE Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) on Friday celebrated its 60th anniversary under the theme ‘Forward in Service: Celebrating 60 Years’.

The day’s events, which were in line with the nation’s 60th anniversary of Independence, included combined massed bands and drums display, daredevil motorcycle display, combined cadet force band display and drums stick displays.

Lieutenant Colonel Kevron Henry, production manager and deputy chairman of the JDF 60 Committee, expressed pride at the military’s milestone.

“It is important to recognise our past in order to grasp the greatness of our future. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this generation of the JDF and what it has to offer to our nation,” he said.

Some Jamaicans in attendance Friday were in awe of the army’s performances and weighed in on its 60th anniversary.

“I think it is good. It is good that Jamaicans are able to experience this event. It is good that the JDF is celebrating 60 years,” Nickeisha Mathison told the Jamaica Observer.

A man, who only gave his name as Chester, said he made much effort to attend the special event, especially since his son was performing.

“It’s such a good moment, a very big deal. I’m also supporting my son who is in the cadet band, I feel like a proud father,” he said.

It was Harriet Scott Edwards’s first time attending a JDF celebratory function. “I had to be here because my daughter, who is a part of the Wolmer’s Dance Troupe, is performing. Had I known other events like this happened before, I would’ve attended,” said Scott Edwards.

“It is a nice event, I am enjoying it even though I am sitting in the sun. I feel proud. It shows how much the JDF has grown over the years,” she added.

At the same time, Fredrica Pottinger expressed her delight.

“I love it. It’s very historical, this event will go down in history where the work that all our agencies have done, we could see all of that playing out. It also sheds some light on the incredible work the force had done over the years,” she said.

Paulette Young added, “It’s very important, shows the JDF has come a very far way.”