Preparations were nearing completion here today for Israel’s 16th anniversary Independence Day parade on Thursday, the first to be held in this Negev metropolis. Among other displays, the parade will include the largest Air Force display, with a fly-past of some 220 Israeli aircraft, including helicopters and various types of jets, spearheaded by 48 Mirage fighter planes.
The infantry and mobile columns will feature the latest Israeli equipment, including 155 mm. howitzers mounted on Sherman tank carriers. This self-propelled gun which has won the esteem of the foreign military attaches in this country, was developed by the Israeli army.
Meanwhile, new roads and other facilities are being readied for the hundreds of thousands of spectators expected to converge on Beersheba from all parts of the country. Many Israelis are expected to come to this city before Thursday. The Hotel Caesarea of Tel Aviv has chartered a special plane to take its guests to the parade.
Tel Aviv residents who remain in town will have another attraction for Independence Day- -a reconstruction of an “illegal immigration” operation as carried out before the establishment of the State, including an “illegal” ship, “British” pursuit vessels and Haganah men to take the new arrivals ashore. This performance will mark the beginning of a year of events to commemorate the first illegal immigration arrivals.
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