Port Moresby residents turned up in numbers this morning at the Independence Hill to witness the flag raising ceremony.
Many woke up as early as 3am to make their way to the Independence Hill and secure a space at the top of the hill to see the flag being brought in. Kids even resorted to climbing the trees around the hill to get a better view of the ceremony.
One family from the Southern Highlands Province who has been attending this event for the past five years made it there again this morning.
Lavenda Anja and her four children were happy to join others in witnessing the PNG flag being raised for the 41st time.
“Me and my kids come here every Independence to witness the flag raising ceremony. This will be our fifth year and we are really happy to come and celebrate our Independence here. We got up at 3am and got here," she said.
Another mother, Kari Taviri and her husband took their toddler to witness the event.
“He was so excited seeing the drums and the flags, he enjoyed it. Someday 20 years from now he will look back on this memory and that will solidify his memory of being a Papua New Guinean. For myself I feel very proud seeing all Papua New Guineans come out together,” Taviri said.
Members of the Royal PNG Constabulary band played the National Anthem before students from the Gordon Secondary school and Sacred Heart Primary School recited the National Pledge.
