Samoa celebrated another milestone yesterday, reaching its 52nd Independence birthday.
The parade yesterday filled with students, public volunteers, workers, and representatives from around the world.
“It’s a day for the family spirit,” said Lafaitele Aiga Esera, former principal of Avele College.
“There’s a lot of strength in today so that’s why, uniform or not, I’ve got to join in because the spirit is more important, unity and getting together as a family because Avele is more than a school it’s a family.”
Ms. Esera said that this year was a great celebration and seemed more coordinated for everyone to take part in.
“It helps a lot to create relationships and build something that the current generation can pass on to the next generation,” said Ms. Esera.
“Marching is more or less a celebration of the courage, work and sacrifices our ancestors had given, because it is not easy fighting for independence.
“It’s shows appreciation to our ancestors for them choosing God as a firm foundation for our country.”
Uluolefa Leofo, of the Manumalo Baptist School, said that, “I feel very grateful because it’s a celebration of our freedom.
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“It’s an opportunity for many of us Samoans living now to take a look back at our ancestors and the struggles that they went through just for us to be independent.”
Such was the strength of the occasion, people from other cultures also felt inspired while marching for the independence celebrations.
Giob Titus, from Papua New Guinea said, “I enjoyed today because it is my first time and I got to know a lot of the Samoan people.”
Attending the Australian Pacific Technological College (A.P.T.C.), Ms. Titus said that it was a milestone to attend the official march of Samoa’s 52nd Independence Day.
“We really appreciate this very big event especially now that we’ve actually participated in one of Samoa’s events that trace back to their cultural roots”, she said.
“It’s an honour and I want to go back and share this new experience with my family and friends back in P.N.G.”
Like previous years, thousands gathered at the lawn at Mulinu’u for the occasion.
Fa’amanuia Ama was impressed with the turnout.
“I give credit to those people who wake up early in the morning to support our independence day,” he said.
“Even though they are just walking on the road but it’s showing their respect, commitment and sacrifice as our ancestors did to be free.
“It brings good memories from those days.”
Mr. Ama did have one concern. He said the programme seems to have been shortened.
“The spirit of independence is still here but it’s not the same,” he said. “Everything seems to have been crammed in.
“I think the government should reconsider the programme for the next independence.”
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