Unity and pride best describe what thousands felt this morning during the flag raising ceremony at the Independence Hill to mark the country’s 43rd Independence anniversary.
The last 41 years have had their fair share of challenges and accomplishments, but PNG has shown that it can face what’s ahead as a nation.
Through the mist of the breaking dawn, accompanied by light showers this morning, the national colours of black, red and gold shone brightly on the Independence Hill as hundreds of residents flocked the ceremonial ground to witness the 43rd flag raising ceremony.
The national flag, proudly carried by the disciplinary forces and accompanied by the boy and girl scouts, was hoisted and witnessed by parliamentarians, heads of missions, church representatives and residents.
“Each year, on the 16th of September, we stand at this place, and in ceremonies around the country at dawn, to mark the day when we achieved our independence.
“Today we celebrate our freedom and our land, and show our gratitude for the heritage passed down by our ancestors,” said Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
He said as the country celebrates the anniversary of our achievement of Independence, the foundations for a more prosperous and shared future are very sound.
The PM noted that the country has faced difficult years with the global economic downturn, but has guaranteed that the tide is changing.
“Commodity prices have rebounded, the long drought has passed, and we are recovering from the tragic earthquakes.
“But in our country when we face challenges, we all pull together, including our Government, and we have introduced a number of reforms that place us in a stronger position. But we must not relax, we must continue to work hard,” stated PM O’Neill.
O’Neill concluded his Independence message emphasising the need to adapt to change in the modern world.
He encouraged Papua New Guineans to have confidence in the country’s potential, to make the right decisions for our future, and stand by these decisions all the way.
The Prime Minister added, advancing the interests of Papua New Guinea, and continuing to deliver real change in the country, is paramount for the next 43 years and beyond.
