Image from Jamaica Gleaner 1. Attending Penlyne Castle School in my battle green and gold school uniform
2. My brother and sister walking to school with me
3. The special morning assembly in the school yard on August 6, 1962
4. The excitement of getting the free Independence Day gifts…
· An aluminum cup with the Coat of Arms on it
· Aerated water
· A pack of sweet biscuit
· A ballpoint pen
· A pack of sweetie
· Badge/Pin with Coat of Arms
2. My brother and sister walking to school with me
3. The special morning assembly in the school yard on August 6, 1962
4. The excitement of getting the free Independence Day gifts…
· An aluminum cup with the Coat of Arms on it
· Aerated water
· A pack of sweet biscuit
· A ballpoint pen
· A pack of sweetie
· Badge/Pin with Coat of Arms
| 5. Singing the National Anthem and saying the Pledge 6. The raising of the Jamaican flag 7. My grandfather listening to the radio for information about what was happening in Kingston 8. Hearing the voice of Sir Alexander Bustamante on the radio 9. Hearing the Governor General read a message from the queen 10. A picture of Queen Elizabeth on a plate my grandmother had 11. The currency; Pounds, Shillings, Pence, and Farthing 812 Celebrations with music, special foods, Quadrille dancing, and bonfire |  Image from Jamaica Gleaner |
The Jamaican National Anthem
Eternal Father bless our land,
Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand,
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours.
To our Leaders, Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.
Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty’s call, strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish.
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.
National Pledge
Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigour of my body in the service of my fellow citizens; I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.
Growing up on the island of Jamaica, Independence Day continues to be a very special memory for me.
BMR
Eternal Father bless our land,
Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand,
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours.
To our Leaders, Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.
Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty’s call, strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish.
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.
National Pledge
Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigour of my body in the service of my fellow citizens; I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.
Growing up on the island of Jamaica, Independence Day continues to be a very special memory for me.
BMR
Image from Jamaica Gleaner