Afghanistan holds first Independence Day observance in 40 years

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Uniformed girls marched alongside male classmates as hundreds of spectators -- turbaned men and women with burqas thrown back -- cheered them on Monday in a new mood of liberation marking this former Taliban stronghold's first Independence Day celebration in more than two decades.

"After so many years, we feel liberty," said teacher Fereba Fayas. "In the past, all events were only for men, but now we are very happy to celebrate this day together."

Ending the past

Though the daylong festivities in Afghanistan's second-largest city were meant to mark the country's independence from Britain in 1919, some people saw it as a chance to celebrate an end to their war-torn past and the restrictive rule of the Taliban.

"Not since the time of King (Mohammad) Zaher Shah have we seen this peace and happiness," said Abdul Majid, 65. "It's a good sign for everyone. No more communists, no more fighting, no more Taliban."

Earlier in the day, thousands of people had lined the streets cheering, as soldiers, tanks and armored vehicles marched past a sea of fluttering black, red and green Afghan flags and banners draped across buildings and signposts throughout the city.

'Show you peace'

"In the future, we won't show you ammunition and guns," proclaimed Kandahar Gov. Gul Agha Sherzai along the morning parade route. "We will show you the development of the country. We will show you open doors to schools. We will show you peace in the country."

Standing on the sidelines, Maj. Gen. Sayed Zainuddin Rohani, 42, watched proudly as some 5,000 soldiers, many trained by him in the new national army, marched beneath giant banners reading "Long live the Afghan nation."

"Every person in his life has special moments -- the day he gets married, the day his son is born. But for me, this is the most beautiful moment in my life," Rohani said.