Colombians celebrate Independence Day

BOGOTA, July 21 (UPI) -- Colombia's Independence Day, celebrated by hundreds of thousands of people in Bogota, was tinged with hope that strife in the country may end, revelers said.

Luis Alberto Gutierrez, a lawyer, told the BBC as he took part in Sunday's rally, Colombians are "struggling for liberty."

"First we got independence from the Spanish, now we want independence from those who oppress us with violence and kidnapping," Gutierrez said.

English teacher Marlen de Castillo told the British network Colombians "are stronger now than ever before."

"We have tasted freedom and working democracy and want more. And now the whole world is with us, is sharing our pain," de Castillo said.

Just days after 15 kidnap victims were freed from rebel fighters, Colombians were calling for an end to the abductions and the 44-year guerrilla action waged by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

One rescued hostage, former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, celebrated in Paris with singer Juanes, The Christian Science Monitor noted.

People marked Colombia's independence in Florida, as well, the newspaper said.

"It's a celebration of freedom. It's a celebration of culture. It's a celebration of being able to live in freedom and prosperity," said Florida state Rep. Mario Diaz Balart, R-Miami.