Yesterday saw the 226th anniversary of the so-called Battle of St George's Caye. The history of the 1798 event remains in dispute as do the origins of the observance of the battle - which was first celebrated 100 years later in 1898.
But since then it's been a cornerstone of national celebration and yesterday was no different.
Acting Prime Minister Cordel Hyde presided over the event which the PUP have struggled to come to terms with as a colonial construct.
Indeed, it had all the trappings of officialdom - and the mayor embraced fully what many in his party call a myth:
Bernard Wagner, Mayor - Belize City
"Today we gather to honor a pivotal moment in our history. The battle of St George's Caye, a battle that not only fought with courage, but fought with hope and a vision for a future where we, the people of this land, could craft a better destiny."
"226 years ago, the Baymen, freemen and the enslaved found it important to stand united and firm against a mighty force. They fought not just to defend their property, but to preserve a dream. A dream of a land where we could all live free, where our future would be our own to shape."
Minister of Culture Francis Fonseca was far more restrained in his remarks - accepting the date but never embracing its historicity:
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture
"As we mark the 226th anniversary of the Battle of St George's Caye and prepare to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Belize's independence, we are reminded of the incredible struggle and journey that has brought us to this point. We pay tribute to our great forefathers and national heroes on whose shoulders we stand."
"Let us honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by building a Belize that is stronger, more just and more united. Together, we can rise, meet the challenges of our time, and fulfill the promise of 1798 and 1981."
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