In commemoration of the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel, and as every year, flag bearers from all branches and commands in the IDF will take part in the torch-raising ceremony.
All of the forms that the flag bearers will perform were adapted to the spirit of the times and the guiding compass of the ceremony, which is "Strengths of Renewal," symbolizing the achievements of the State of Israel in the past year and groundbreaking technological innovation.
After two months of planning and rehearsals in the shadow of Operation "The Roar of the Lion," some 125 flag bearers will march on the ceremony grounds. The participants in the ceremony represent the Israeli mosaic - in all its parts and shades as a symbol of unity in the nation.
The commander of the ceremony, Col. (res.) Shimon Deri, said: "The rehearsals for this year's ceremony were held in a reduced format and in accordance with the guidelines of Operation 'Roar of the Harrier.' I am excited to command the torchlight ceremony during this period, especially. The ceremony consists of talented flag bearers who during the rehearsals operated in their units and now represent them with honor on this stage."
"The theme chosen this year, 'Powers of Renewal,' connects to the sentence with which I chose to open the ceremony - 'And the sons returned to their border.' Powers of Renewal symbolizes for me the excitement and power of presiding over the first ceremony in which we will not have to open with a prayer for the return of the captives and the missing."