IN PICTURES: Israel's Independence Day over the years

A look back at 66 years of celebrations.

A unit from the South Lebanon Army marches in a Yom Ha’atzmaut parade in Kiryat Shmona in 1982. (photo credit: HERZ/JERUSALEM POST ARCHIVES)
A unit from the South Lebanon Army marches in a Yom Ha’atzmaut parade in Kiryat Shmona in 1982.
(photo credit: HERZ/JERUSALEM POST ARCHIVES)
Masses turn out to watch an IDF parade just outside Jerusalem’s Old City in honor of Independence Day in 1968.
(photo credit: WERNER BRAUN/JERUSALEM POST ARCHIVES)
Arab and Jewish residents of Jerusalem gather in the capital to watch a procession by youths in Gadna, the pre-army preparatory course, on Independence Day 1969.
(photo credit: JERUSALEM POST ARCHIVE)
People dance in the streets of Rishon Lezion to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut in 1972.
(photo credit: WERNER BRAUN/JERUSALEM POST ARCHIVES)
IDF troops take part in a military parade in Jerusalem for the 25th anniversary of Israel’s independence in 1973. This was the final year such parades were held in Israel.
(photo credit: UPI/JERUSALEM POST ARCHIVES)
Pre-schoolers in Herzliya visit an Israel Air Force base and learn from a soldier about how a cannon works to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut in 1979.
(Dani Gutfreund/ Jerusalem Post archives)
Fireworks light up the sky above Jerusalem’s Old City in celebration of Independence Day in 1981.
(photo credit: WERNER BRAUN/JERUSALEM POST ARCHIVES)
An aerial show at the Israel Air Force museum in Kibbutz Hatzerim held as part of celebrations for Israel’s Independence Day 2014. (photo credit: AMIR COHEN - REUTERS)
Celebrators head in to Jerusalem’s Sacher Park in 2014 where barbecues and festivities are held throughout Independence Day.
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)