A Military Parade of the Saudi Army in Jeddah
The King Expresses His Esteem for His Army, of Which He Is Proud to Be the Supreme Commander, and Affirms Its Role as a Shield for the Nation in Particular and for the Greater Arab Homeland in General
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Cairo announced that on Monday morning a grand military parade was held in Jeddah before the Royal Palace. The event was honored by the presence of His Majesty the Exalted King, the Supreme Commander of the Saudi Armed Forces. Also in attendance were His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Their Highnesses the Princes of the Royal House, members of the diplomatic corps in Jeddah, distinguished guests from among Arab princes, heads of official Hajj missions, notable figures of the country, and thousands of citizens.
The King Appears in the Uniform of the Supreme Commander
The parade commenced upon the arrival of His Majesty to the parade grounds, where he appeared wearing the uniform of the Supreme Commander of the Army. The royal anthem was played, and the artillery fired a twenty‑one‑gun salute. His Majesty then conducted an inspection tour of the various military units assembled in the field, after which he returned to the pavilion. The parade began with the military bands, followed by the color guards, the Military Academy, the Air Force, units of the Royal Guard, battalions of the Military Police, infantry, signal corps, artillery, and units representing transport, supply, and medical services.
Participation of the Air Force
Throughout the parade, squadrons of the Royal Saudi Air Force flew overhead. The parade concluded with the procession of the “Ahl al‑Jihad” contingents and the battalions of the Ikhwan.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, all attendees bid farewell to His Majesty with reverence and respect.
Royal Appreciation
His Majesty, the Supreme Commander of the Army, sent a message to His Royal Highness the Minister of Defense expressing his gratitude to the Minister of Defense and Aviation, as well as to all commanders, officers, and soldiers of the army, for the military spirit and exemplary discipline demonstrated during the parade. His Majesty conveyed his personal appreciation for their efforts in fulfilling his aspirations and objectives for the army—an army in which he takes great pride and whose leadership he cherishes. He expressed his hope that the army will continue to serve as a steadfast shield for the homeland in particular and for the greater Arab nation in general—free, independent, honored by Arabs, and esteemed by Muslims.
Source: Al‑Ahram
Al‑Ahram Center for Organization and Microfilm
Date: 20 August 1954