ADF STAFF | Photos by afp/getty images
As Senegalese citizens marked the 64th anniversary of their nation’s independence, children embraced the spirit of the day. One boy donned a cap and miniature matching uniform before joining celebrations in Dakar on April 4, 2023. Although quite a bit shorter, he closely imitated the Soldiers and gendarmes gathered along a city street. As citizens lined roads to view festive processions, military and police personnel stopped to acknowledge the younger set. One boy, draped in a stole featuring Senegal’s flag of green, gold and red, held a flag as he posed for pictures with doting gendarmes. The flag’s colors represent the faith, spirit and sacrifice of Senegal’s people and embody the national motto of “One People — One Purpose — One Faith.”