Venezuela holds military parade

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez waves his hand during a military parade to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the battle of Carabobo, in Carabobo, Venezuela, June 24, 2006. The military parade, compered by Chavez himself, was attended by some 60,000 soldiers on active service, 35,000 reservist, 170 tanks, 29 planes and 500 military horses. The battle of Carabobo was took place in 1821, which led Venezuela to independence from Spain.

Soldiers on active service attend a military parade to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the battle of Carabobo, in Carabobo, Venezuela, June 24, 2006.

Students of a military school attend a military parade to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the battle of Carabobo, in Carabobo, Venezuela, June 24, 2006.

Soldiers holding their arms attend a military parade to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the battle of Carabobo, in Carabobo, Venezuela, June 24, 2006.

Soldiers riding on tanks attend a military parade to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the battle of Carabobo, in Carabobo, Venezuela, June 24, 2006.