Streets and landmarks were decorated with green flags and festoons Friday as the nation celebrated its 81st National Day. Many malls organized cultural programs. Everyone was beaming with pride and patriotic fervor. Many people were seen at Jeddah Corniche and resorts early in the morning clad in green clothes and holding green flags in their hands. Some were dancing and singing national songs with children on the streets while others were carrying pictures and posters. “I am here to fulfill my national duty by celebrating the National Day with my compatriots,” said Omar Al-Jasir, an organizer of child cultural programs in Jeddah. The cultural program, called “I love my country”, showcased child theater shows and various contests such as “The Most Beautiful Painting Expressing the National Day” and “The Most Beautiful Photo of the National Day”. Many citizens and residents participated in the celebrations organized by Jeddah Mayoralty in different places such as Jeddah Corniche and Tahliyah Street. Traffic policemen were present everywhere to ensure smooth flow of traffic. Tahliyah Street was the favorite spot in Jeddah to celebrate the occasion. A group of youth walked from the Jeddah Corniche to the seafront (still under construction) to express their joy on the national day. They called the march “March of a Country.” Meanwhile, the largest flag of the Kingdom and the largest picture of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, will fly in the sky of the capital Saturday at 5 p.m. The flag's length is 25 meters and its height is 9 meters. The picture is 30 meters long and 9 meters high. King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan received a number of cables of congratulations on the National Day from leaders of Arab, Muslim and friendly countries. __
