A flag-lowering ceremony held in the capital of Port Moresby on Saturday concluded Papua New Guinea’s 42nd Independence anniversary celebrations. Video: EMTV News
Pacific Media Centre Newsdesk
A man from Menyamya in Morobe travelled from his district to Lae in his traditional attire at the weekend to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 42nd Independence Day.
The 48-year-old said he made the costume himself and was proud to present them on Saturday, while others were in the country’s national colours of black, red and gold, reports EMTV’s
This year, as in previous years, was celebrated in the province with a variety of activities.
The national colours, supported by the provincial colors were seen everywhere in the second city of Lae in Morobe, as a demonstration of pride.
A local from Menyamya District in Morobe, Awateng Gembasu was a proud Papua New Guinean during the celebration today at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.
Raising of the flag
Everyone took part in the celebrations on Saturday, with the raising of the flag in the morning and the parade carried out by the schools and the Engineering Battalion of the PNG Defence Force in Lae.
Young and old, came in colourful dresses and attire. The presence of the Police Force prevented disturbances and interruptions.
The safe atmosphere allowed this young man to freely celebrate the occasion.
Despite the rainy weather, everyone still had a reason to smile.
The 42nd Independence was celebrated with the presence of Member for Lae, Morobe Governor and the Governor-General.
In Port Moresby, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill admitted the country was experiencing “ups and downs” in a speech at Independence Hill but added that the “hopes and aspirations of our founding fathers” remained as strong as ever, Loop PNG’s Freddy Mou reports.
The date 16 September 1975 marks Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australian colonial rule.
