It’s a feeling I will never forget - Moo Young
Published:Friday | August 6, 2021 | 12:08 AM
AS WE celebrate Jamaica’s 59th anniversary of Independence, it is an occasion to remember the struggles of those who fought to secure our freedom. Understandably, nothing can match the excitement of this period, and the memories will not fade away with time.
Many Jamaicans remember the grand moments of August 1962, and these stories are told and retold for those who were born after that time.
Artist and photographer Howard Moo Young was a boy’s scout, and was in fact at the National Stadium as part of the uniformed groups on parade.
He recalled with much pride and joy when the Union Jack came down and the Jamaican flag took its place, and he was there to witness it all.
“We were all on parade. I was dressed in dark blue uniform, long blue socks, with my Wolmer’s scarf, maroon and gold. We stood at attention when the flag came down. It is a feeling I will never forget,” Moo Young said.
“I felt good because we were now independent and I was excited of the prospects of how we could make Jamaica a better place,” he added.
Retired teacher Pauline Power was a student at Caledonia Junior College when Jamaica gained its Independence. She was a singer in the mass choir that sang Jamaica Land We Love, the National Anthem, during the historic ceremony.
“I was singing from my eyes were at my knee. So, I volunteered to be a member of the choir and was selected. It was a delight, knowing that we were going to be on our own, an independent nation,” she said.
Jamaica, Land We Love is the National Anthem of Jamaica, officially adopted in July 1962. It was chosen after a competition from September 1961 until March 31, 1962, in which the lyrics were selected by Jamaica’s Houses of Parliament. Since Jamaica was granted Independence, Jamaica, Land We Love continues to be officially used as the National Anthem.